How has the historical categorization of individuals into racial groups influenced current perceptions of ethnicity in society?

The way people have been categorized into racial groups throughout history has shaped how we think about ethnicity today. Race often refers to physical characteristics, like skin color, while ethnicity relates to cultural factors, such as language and traditions. Because of past ideas that linked race to superiority or inferiority, these concepts can still create misunderstandings and biases in society. For example, if someone sees a person of a certain race, they might make assumptions about their culture or behavior without knowing them as an individual. This can lead to stereotypes and discrimination, affecting how people interact with each other based on their perceived race or ethnicity.