ETHNIC DIVERSITY

Ethnic diversity is the coexistence of the various races that exist

around the world and that differ in skin color, language or customs.

There are many peoples or ethnic groups throughout the world that have
their own traditions, customs, languages, etc.

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We must distinguish the main terms within cultural or ethnic diversity.

Diversity is the term that refers to the plurality of elements in a certain
area.

Culture is the set of characteristics that allow the distinction of a society

in relation to material, spiritual, emotional and intellectual aspects.

Finally, ethnic groups are human communities that have a common point
of cultural affinity and make their members feel integrated.

Ethnic and cultural variety is the variety of different cultures within a

group of people or region.
The plurality of ethnicities represents a cultural value of the country. For
example, in the area of South America, there are a large number of
ethnic groups that come from indigenous people, so many languages
and customs coexist together.

What features distinguish ethnic groups?

The main features that distinguish ethnic groups are skin color, language
and religion, but we can also include as a distinguishing feature the
social structure, diet, music, art...

Taken together, any trait attributable to human culture can be a

distinctive trait of different ethnicities or cultures.

We can define the concept of interculturality as the interaction of two or

more cultures in a synergistic way. With this concept, we consider
ourselves in a situation in which none of the existing cultures is located
above another hierarchically. This favors the integration of cultures and
is part of human heritage.

There are government agencies in charge of protecting cultural diversity,

the most important of them all being UNESCO. This has a tendency
towards cultural uniformity, which is why in 2001 a treaty on the
protection of Cultural Diversity was signed.

Cultural diversity and ethnicities

Cultural diversity is considered the force of sustainable development, for
an intellectual and moral complement, and not based only on economic
growth.

Culture is an essential part of society, and the recognition of different

cultures and the value attributed to them helps to promote
interculturality in society.
The cultural identity of each of the existing ethnic groups in the world is
the affirmation and connection with reality. Identity is part of culture and
gives it meaning and form.

For many groups, cultural identity is reaffirmed as opposition to the

globalization and homogenization that society is suffering on a global
scale.

In many parts of the world, the knot of cultures that coexist causes
conflicts and identity misunderstandings.

At this point, we can talk about multiculturalism. This implies the

coexistence of several cultures in one place. And within this term, we
can consider the person of another ethnicity as different, but not
necessarily inferior.

Throughout history we have seen how many societies have forced

another culture to disappear, either through direct ethnocide or in less
violent ways.

The existence of an intercultural society leads to considering the

coexistence between individuals of a society, recognizing the other as
different without the need to separate them, but seeking cooperation,
understanding and respect on the part of all cultures.

Examples of ethnic diversity in the world

Throughout the area of South America and the Latin American countries,
a large number of cultures and ethnicities coexist, so there is great
ethnic diversity.

There are people of indigenous origin, but also of European, African or

Asian origin. Depending on the country we are in, there are differences
regarding the ethnic diversity of the country.
There are many countries in which ethnic groups have come together
and produced a mixed race, such as people who have European blood
along with indigenous, African or Asian blood.

Caribbean and Mexico

In areas like the Caribbean, most of the population has European or

African blood. In contrast to Mexico, which has a majority of indigenous
and European blood. This ethnic diversity is reflected in the physical
characteristics of the population.

Argentina

For example in Argentina, the European ancestry of the population is

evident. 85% of the population is of European origin, mainly Italian, and
the other 15% comes from indigenous blood.

Colombia

Colombia is one of the countries with the greatest ethnic diversity in the
world. Thanks to its geographical location, it is at the doorstep of
interculturality.

There are up to 84 indigenous ethnic groups and 3 large differentiated

groups of the population. Indigenous ethnic groups are located and
predominate especially in rural areas, with a higher rate in Guajira,
Putumayo and Amazonas.

The population descended from the African ethnic group makes up just
over 10% of the total national population. We also find people of the
gypsy ethnic group, who reach up to a population of 5,000 people.

Colombia considers that the plurality of ethnic groups represents a

reason for national pride. The richness of intangible culture in Colombia
is high thanks to the number of Amerindian and Creole languages, such
as Bandé, Palenquero and Romani.
Ecuador

In Ecuador about 80% of the population is mestizo. Up to 13 indigenous

nationalities are recognized, among which we find the Chachi, Tsáchila,
Amazonian Quichuas, Awa, Epera...

Only in the Amazon region of this country there are nine recognized
native languages. Arriving until 1:00 p.m. throughout the country. The
Zápara language has also been declared a world heritage site by
UNESCO.

Peru

In Peru there are up to 76 ethnic groups that coexist in its territory,

where we find mixtures of Andean cultures throughout the Andes region,
which continue to maintain their customs and culture over the years,
including many tribes in which it seems that the global presence of
society has not yet arrived.