Ethnicity and Race This week, you have examined some of the ways in which ethnicity and race influence the development of school-age children and adolescents.
Often, ethnicity and race are the first things that people actively perceive about others, whether because of skin color, clothing style, or even a name.
As a result, ethnicity and race inevitably play heightened roles in how all individuals, including children and adolescents, define and perceive themselves.
Exploring how ethnicity and race influence children's and adolescent's identity formation and considering how to best address racial and ethnic issues with young people thus takes on particular importance.
In this Discussion, you will consider the relationship between ethnicity and race, their relative impacts on identity formation, and how racial and ethnic issues are best addressed with children and adolescents. Reflect on the following:
• How would you describe the similarities and differences between one's ethnicity and one's race? What role does each play in the identity formation of children and adolescents?
• Do you think children and adolescents should be encouraged to explore and develop their racial and ethnic identities, or might this put too much emphasis on differences? Why?
• How should ethnicity and race be addressed with children and adolescents in order to promote positive self-image and equal respect for others? With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.
Post an explanation of how ethnicity and race influence identity formation in children and adolescents, including if and how they do so in different ways.
Then, describe your view on if and how ethnicity and race should be addressed with children and adolescents, including one specific example from a setting (home, school, community, etc.) of your choice.
Be sure to use the Learning Resources to support your response.