Describe the difference between race and ethnicity. Then discuss how racial categories have evolved over the last few centuries (Why are people from India categorized as Asian and why are North Africans and Arabs categorized as White?).

Race and ethnicity are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but in fact they have different meanings. Race is a social construct based on physical attributes such as skin color or facial features, while ethnicity refers to a shared cultural identity due to shared heritage or language. This distinction is important because it highlights the role that culture and environment can play in how people identify themselves.

Racial categories have evolved over time as society has become more diverse and fluid. For example, people from India are now typically categorized as Asian due to their geographical location and long-standing cultural ties with other countries in the region. Similarly, North Africans and Arabs have been increasingly classified under the “White” category due to their lighter skin tone compared to other groups which may share similar cultural backgrounds.

Overall, understanding the difference between race and ethnicity can help healthcare providers better assess patient needs by taking into account any potential biases or assumptions one might make when interacting with someone from a different background. Additionally, being aware of how racial categories have changed over time can provide insight into why certain populations may be lumped together for certain purposes such as data collection or medical research despite having distinct backgrounds which should not be overlooked when providing care.