Negative Aspects Of Racial Identification

Racial Identification
Racial identification may be defined as a way of classifying or categorizing individuals based on their race or ethnicity, and as supported by the shared or common characteristics of populations including cultural background, ancestry, language, religion, and beliefs or traditions among others. A group of individuals identified based on their race and ethnicity and shared or common characteristics represent a particular culture. Although an objective view of racial identification does not reveal or raise negative issues about race or ethnicity, an interpretation and use or application of these categories bring about negative outcomes. Considering the different sides or angles concerning racial identification, the succeeding
First, it substantiates people’s need to establish their own identity. Race or ethnicity and culture constitute a significant part of people’s self-identity. Hence, identifying with a race or culture allows an individual to understand himself or herself within the context of his or her ethnicity. Furthermore, racial identification in this case satisfies an individual’s need to belong. In Psychology, people say that an individual’s identity not only includes one’s view of himself or herself but also the influence of other people. One of the human being’s greatest need is the need to belong. Being identified as part of a race or ethnicity fulfills one of human being’s greatest need.
Apart from gaining a sense of belongingness, racial identification also helps individuals understand their selves and context. One may learn so many things just be identifying with a race or ethnicity. By knowing that one’s cultural ancestry is Chinese, for instance, one is able to trace history and culture, as well as the social and political events that shaped or influenced the lives of the Chinese people. As a result, this establishes a sense of awareness and understanding of the self, which is important in personal growth and
One of the major disadvantages or negative outcomes of racial identification is discrimination. As previously noted, racial identification labels or categorizes people into groups based on shared or common race and ethnicity, and other cultural characteristics. Labeling people, however, makes them easy targets for racial discrimination. People often stereotype cultural groups based on their shared characteristics such as skin color. This much is true for black people. Other people discriminate against black people such as African Americans because of the color of their skin. Consequently, they are treated unfairly. Many African Americans, for instance, are discriminated against such that job opportunities are scarce for them. In other cases, they are terminated from their jobs or are not hired in favor of people from other