Community & Ethnicity

COMMUNITY & ETHNICITY

The difference between community and ethnicity is like oil and water. They are both liquids, but form layers in a glass. Ethnicity forms the base while community covers all. Ethnicity is determined by birth, community is decided in life. Ethnicity sets people apart. Community brings people together.

The principles of community are universal. They are; association, unity and peace. These breed; love, acceptance, trust, security and enterprise. The tenets of ethnicity are local and the basis of apartheid. The positive aspects of ethnicity are found in prosperous community. However, its negative elements are the reason for many social ills.

Community and ethnicity are agents of society. The people choose which one will govern them. Community is about humanity and dignity. Ethnicity is about individual identity. Community is a higher social form that calls for greater grace, maturity and accountability to perform.

Allan