ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Panethnicity

Panethnicity is when people from many different ethnic backgrounds come together and identify as one larger group based on certain shared characteristics, typically their physical appearance or cultural traditions. Think of it like a big family where everyone may look different, but they all share things like the same last name, family traditions, or values. For example, in the United States, people of different Hispanic backgrounds, such as Mexican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican, may come together and identify as "Hispanic" or "Latino" because they share a common language, cultural traditions, and experiences. This can be helpful for people who feel like they don't fit in with the majority culture or want to celebrate their heritage with others who understand their experiences.