Advance Level Conversations- Series 1- Lesson 3- Talk about Race
In this lesson, you learn 10 conversation questions about race with sample answers for having a normal conversation discussing race. We also have added 10 extra conversation questions if you decide to extend your discussion. Race is a complex and deeply rooted concept that influences societies across the globe. While it has often been used to divide people, it can also be a starting point for meaningful conversations about diversity, identity, and inclusion. Understanding race and its impact helps us address issues like discrimination and strive toward a more equitable world.
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Conversation Questions about Cheating
1- What is race? Explain.
Race is a way people are grouped based on physical features like skin color, facial features, or hair texture. It’s a social concept, not a biological one. Though often confused with ethnicity, race focuses more on appearance. Over time, race has been used in both positive and negative ways, sometimes to connect people, but also to divide them. It’s important to recognize how race has shaped history and society.
2- What races do we have in the world? Describe.
There are several commonly recognized races such as Caucasian (White), African (Black), Asian, Indigenous (Native peoples), and mixed-race groups. These broad categories try to group people based on shared physical traits or ancestry. However, these labels can be limiting and don’t reflect the full diversity of humanity. Many people identify with more than one race or prefer not to be labeled. Global migration and intermarriage continue to blur these lines.
3- What race are you? How does identifying with your race shape your experiences or identity?
I identify as Asian, specifically South Asian. My race often connects me with shared cultural values, language, and traditions. It also influences how people see me, sometimes positively and sometimes with stereotypes. Being aware of my race helps me understand how I fit into society and how I’m perceived. It also gives me a sense of pride in my heritage.
4- What is ethnicity? Explain
Ethnicity is about cultural identity like shared language, traditions, religion, or nationality. Unlike race, which is often about physical traits, ethnicity is more about cultural background. People from the same ethnicity often have a common history or homeland. It’s how people relate to their roots and community. Ethnicity can be more flexible and personal than race.
5- What ethnicity are you? What cultural traditions or heritage come with your ethnicity?
I’m ethnically Hindu, and I come from a South Indian cultural background. We celebrate festivals like Deepavali, Pongal, and Tamil New Year. Our language, Tamil, is a big part of our identity, and so is traditional food, music, and dance. Respect for elders and family bonds are very important in our culture. We also value education and spirituality.
6- Is your home country largely homogeneous? If so, how does that affect how outsiders or minorities are treated?
Malaysia is quite diverse, with major ethnic groups like Malays, Chinese, and Indians. It’s not homogeneous, but one group does hold political and cultural dominance. This can sometimes lead to unequal treatment or favoritism in areas like education or government jobs. Outsiders or minority groups may feel excluded or pressured to assimilate. However, there are also efforts to promote multicultural harmony.
7- How are people of a different color or appearance treated in your home country? Give some examples
It depends because some are welcomed, others face prejudice. For example, darker-skinned individuals, especially from South Asia or Africa, can face colorism or stereotyping. On the other hand, Western tourists or expats might be treated better or admired. There’s also a social bias in media and advertising favoring lighter skin tones. These attitudes are slowly changing but still present.
8- What is discrimination? Have you experienced it?
Discrimination is unfair treatment based on things like race, gender, religion, or background. It can happen in schools, workplaces, or public spaces. I’ve experienced subtle discrimination, like being overlooked in group discussions or facing assumptions about my abilities. It’s not always obvious, but it affects confidence and inclusion. Recognizing it helps in pushing back or seeking support.
9- What is racism? Have you experienced it?
Racism is a specific kind of discrimination based on race. It involves beliefs or actions that treat one race as superior or another as inferior. I have not experienced but my friend had casual racism, like jokes about my skin color or being called names. Sometimes it comes from ignorance, not hate, but it still hurts. Racism can be personal or built into systems like education or hiring.
10- Can you share a story of experiencing or witnessing racism?
I haven’t personally experienced racism, but I have witnessed it happen to a close friend. During a university event, one of my friends was called names and mocked for his hair and skin tone by a few classmates. He tried to laugh it off, but I could tell he was hurt. It was really uncomfortable, and I felt bad for not speaking up right away. Later, a few of us reported the incident to a lecturer, and they addressed it seriously. That experience showed me how racism can still show up in everyday situations and how important it is to stand up for others.
More discussion questions about race
For a longer conversation about race, you can use the below discussion questions about race:
1- How did it make you feel? Did the experience change your perspective or behavior?
2- How do you think victims of racism or discrimination feel? Why?
3- What do you think of interracial marriages? Explain
4- There are more and more interracial people these days. How do you think they identify themselves?
5- In what ways is racism and discrimination a problem in society? What are some examples
6- What are some ways we can combat racism and discrimination? Elaborate
7- Some people believe that humanity is divided into distinct races; others believe that all human beings belong to only one race. What do you think? Why do you agree or disagree?
8- How does race affect our interactions with each other? Provide some examples.
9- What would you say if someone told you that some races are smarter than others? How would you respond to that claim?
10- Would you like to change your race? Why or why not?
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Conversation Questions about Nature
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