What is an ethnic group and to which one do i belong? According to the dictionary, an ethnic group is "a community or population made up of people who share a common cultural background or decent." Considering that me, my parents and my grandparents were all born in South Africa, my decent is South African. My great grandparents are Irish but we do not practice any Irish traditions. With  regards to religious beliefs, my Dads side of the family is Christian (except for my dad) and my moms side of the family is mostly also Christian (except for my mom.) It is for these reasons that it is difficult to classify myself into an ethnic group. I grew up speaking only English, I went to both an English primary and High school. In our family, the traditions we practice are not only part of one ethnicity and so one of the main things differentiating me and grouping me into an ethnicity is my religion. 

My dad is Buddhist and my mom is leaning towards Atheism. This difference of religion amongst my household family and my extended family has put me in a very fortunate situation. I have been exposed to different religions and have been able to decide for myself which one ( if any ) i will follow. I grew up thoroughly enjoying learning about Buddhism and that is where I lean more towards with regards to religion, but it has more influenced my way of life. I can argue that my dad and his teachings to me is where I know from. This ethnic group that I am apart of has many beliefs and teachings that I think have shaped my world view. 

Being kind and showing compassion is one belief that I try to follow each day. Being compassionate for others and there unique experiences is important and shapes the way one thinks of others. This practice has shaped my worldview and has made me question a lot of things rather than just assume something. I can say that i "know" from my family and my religious or spiritual beliefs and what I "know" does not have to do with actual knowledge but rather how I decide to live my life and how I treat others and the world around me. 

Another belief of my ethnic group is reincarnation and Karma. I believe that once someone passes away, they remain in spirit form for a while, finding their next life, and what they become in their next life, depends on their Karma from their past lives. I also believe that being a Human is an extremely rare and lucky thing. This belief is part of the reason, but definitely not the only reason, why I try to practice things like Kindness, compassion, gratitude and understanding. This belief is shared amongst other people in my ethnic group and others not part of it. 

In essence, I know from my parents, my family and from my religion. It is difficult for me to decide what ethnic group I am part of, but I try and practice the teaching of Buddhism.