Race is not biological but rather it is a social construct. This means that although race does not exist in nature, it is still real in society. When we say race is "socially constructed", we mean that the idea has been formed, established, and imposed collectively by a dominant group of people over others in society based on their physical differences (PBS, 2018).
Race is a Socially Constructed Idea
The concept of "race" has been facilitated by the idea that people are divided into discrete sub-groups based on their inherited and visible physical traits. Dividing people based on physical differences is a clear evidence that race is real and it is a modern idea that has been collectively accepted, agreed, and imposed on certain group of people. During historical times, people were divided based on language, class, status, or religion unlike in the modern society where people are classified based on physical traits (PBS, 2018).
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Biologically, race has no genetic basis because classifying people based on genetic sense, individuals would remain constant throughout different parts of the world. Most physical characteristics are inherited independently and therefore the genes for skin color are completely different from those genes of eye shape, texture of the hair, athletic ability, musical talent or blood type. Most of the genetic variation between different people exist within the genes and not between races. Evidence reveal that only a small percentage (15%) of genetic variation exist between individuals. This is an example of why race is a social construct (PBS, 2018).
Another example of why race is a social construct include the case of slavery. According to the understanding of many people, slavery was practiced to a certain race because of their physical differences and were considered inferior. However, in real sense, people were enslaved during historical times because of war or conquest and not because of their physical differences or the perception of natural inferiority. It is evident that slavery in the United States was facilitated by specific circumstances that led to enslavement of people with similar looks and not because of their physical differences (PBS, 2018).
Disturbing and Interesting Ideas of the Reviewed Information
In the reviewed information, it is very disturbing to learn that although race is not biological, it has created racism, which has remained a huge problem in society. Racism has real effects and consequences on the targeted people. For instance, it is evident that the issue of race has denied some people their rights and freedom. Race has led to the justification of social inequalities as normal. The racial practices have resulted in institutionalization of racial practices in society, laws, and within the government. It is evident that most people are suffering because of the idea of race. For instance, these individuals may miss out of certain opportunities because of their physical characteristics. The idea of race in the United States is deep rooted in society. For instance, the African Americans have always felt isolated and targeted and have limited access to opportunities and resources. The government has designed many benefits of being white, a problem that affects every person whether they have knowledge of it or not. It is saddening to learn that the society has turned a blind eye on the issue of racism. Most people are focused on creation of equality, which is a very different matter from racism because race is more than individual prejudice and stereotypes. It is important for the government and the society to fight against racism by identifying and addressing the social policies that provide many advantages to a certain group of people over others (PBS, 2018).
What I find interesting is learning that human species are all equal according to nature. I learned that human beings are equal and the idea of race is something that has been formed by society to define other people based on their physical differences. I have gained understanding that although people may look different from each other; they are similar based on biology. Therefore, having awareness, that race is not real but rather something that the society has made up makes it easy on how to address the issue.
Increased Diversity Consciousness
The information on race has contributed significantly towards increasing my diversity consciousness. Improving diversity consciousness is a critical aspect in my life and environment because it means embracing it. For instance, the information increased my diversity consciousness by gaining awareness of different cultural groups, enhanced my understanding of how to relate better with other people, and increased my ability to be empathetic. Additionally, diversity consciousness has allowed me to communicate with openness and transparency whereby I ask and accept questions about myself without getting argumentative or defensive.
The reviewed information on race has a lot of potential of encouraging me to share my ideas better with others. Sharing this information is one way of using it to teach others on race, what it real means, its effects, and how to help fight against racism. Additionally, I will use this information to encourage each individual to express their ideas, share their own stories regarding their unique backgrounds, and taking immediate action against discrimination.
Reference
PBS (2018). Race: The Power of an Illusion. Retrieved from: http://www.pbs.org/race/000_General/000_00-Home.htm
