ethnicity, from greek ethnis, means people. This term refers to a group of people who have several elements in common, such as culture, language, history, values, physical similarities, among others.However, some researchers dispute this classification, claiming the use of superficial elements – a language, for example, can be used by several different ethnic groups.
Even with some criticism, this is the most accepted classification. Thus, on the planet there is great ethnic diversity, especially on the African continent, which it houses more than a thousand different groups, which have their own cultural manifestations, religions, languages, etc.
Brazil also has a very diverse population. This characteristic is a consequence of the process of occupation of the national territory, which, before the arrival of European colonizers (white men), was already inhabited by indigenous tribes. Another important contribution was that of the African black, who arrived in the country to carry out slave labor.
Over time, miscegenation ("mixture" of ethnicities) occurred, resulting in the caboclo (son of Indians with Europeans); mulatto (children of blacks with Europeans); and cafuzo (mixture between Indians and blacks). Another factor that intensified Brazil's ethnic variety was the intense migratory flow of Arabs, Japanese, among others.
It is important to emphasize that this ethnic diversity can trigger conflicts, as one culture may judge itself superior to another, trying to impose its supremacy. This phenomenon is very common in Africa, where several ethnic-separatist conflicts occur. Europe is also the scene of these conflicts, especially in Russia, Spain and the region of the former Yugoslavia.
By Wagner Cerqueira
Geographer