How Race and Religion Shape My Life? - Essay Sample

Introduction

Race and religion are critical factors in the life of every person. Due to the social nature of human beings, race is considered a feature of identity and everyone belongs to a specific race defined by birth. However, religion is to some extent a choice. When one is born in a family that follows a particular religion, they are obliged to follow it until they attain legal age recognized by the constitution. The freedom of religion thus allows one to change to a religion that they love, unlike race which cannot be changed. The two have had an extensive impact on my life. Race and religion shape my core values and beliefs in society and to a great extent guide my worldview.

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I have experienced people making choices based on race and ethnicity. One of the significant problems that the United States has faced since civilization is racial discrimination. Prejudices and stereotypes of racial segmentation were a common occurrence in the past, and although they have declined, instances of ethnic discrimination are not uncommon. Due to improvement in education and increased advocacy for human rights, racial profiling has been on a constant decline. I get offended when I see stories in the media about the Americans discriminating against Hispanics, Blacks and other minority groups. The stories shape my life and drive me to be just to all people regardless of their ethnic background.

Conversely, as much as we condemn race in modern society, it is undeniable that there exists a dominant bond between people of the same race. There is a type of connection and comfort that one feels when in the company of people from his race. I like associating with people from my race because we share a history. This subconscious practice of racism is among the things I work on changing in my life. I have become educated and developed a deep desire to understand other races. To share in the history of other people and appreciate their beliefs and customs. Race has thus made me appreciate the concept of human diversity in the community I live in and set-out to interact and learn more about other people.

Religion affects my psychological wellbeing. It offers me spiritual nourishment and sets a foundation for my behavior and beliefs. I feel that my religion affects every move and decision that I make due to the belief that a higher power is watching. I like how religions of the modern world share in some fundamental beliefs. For instance, virtually all religions believe in the causation and consequences clauses. The causation aspect in religions holds that everything happens with a purpose and predetermined cause by a deity. The occurrence may be good or bad but its controlled solely by the deity with superpowers. This concept has shaped my life and made me appreciate the things that I face. I became a believer in reason and attained positive behavior motivation since a powerful being is watching over me.

Virtually all religions base their teachings on actions and consequences. Doing good leads to desirable consequences that cause joy and satisfaction. Bad deeds are punished causing suffering and unfathomable consequences. Religion has shaped my decision-making process since I reason out every move in accordance with religious teachings. Continued appreciation of freedom of religion causes the world to be a better place. I have witnessed religious conflicts such as the Islamic misconception on the subject of Jihad. Iraq and Iran bore the brunt of the atrocities committed under the disguise of a holy war. The countries were underdeveloped and saw massive destruction of life and infrastructure. If only they had respected the religious beliefs of one another, there would be peace and development. Religion thus causes me to appreciate human nature and rejoice in the vast teachings derived from holy books.

Race satisfies my need for identity. There are ingrained attributes of race that affect my daily life. The characteristics include cultural heritage and social practices. I love race because it gave me a culture. A sense of identity that will live on long after I die. Sharing in the practices of my culture cultivates cohesion in my community and leads to positive reinforcement. When there is peace and respect for human rights in a nation, cultural heritage thrives leading to cohesion among communities. However, the cohesion at times leads to the vice of tribalism. Race defines my culture and sets the foundation for the practices that I experience in life in accordance with my racial heritage.

Conclusion

Race and religion are indeed shapers of identity. Both affect my decision-making process and behaviors because they hold teachings that are ingrained in me. Respect for race and freedom of religion allows me to enjoy religious practices freely without causing harm to other people. race gives me a sense of belonging and enhances cohesion in a community. The two are vital shapers of my life which would be very different if they were not there.