Race. It is a concept that has plagued the human mind for
centuries. Starting from the colonies and slavery to the Holocaust with Jews
and Germans, not only does it have and ancient origin, but is also determined
how people acted toward each other. For example, during the creation of the
American colonies slaves were seen as objects whose only purpose was to do
menial work for "superior" white Americans. During the Holocaust,
Germans considered the existence of Jews to be pointless and as a result
exterminated millions of Jews. In fact, they taught their children to call out
Jews and run away from them and also taught them to "'Be careful!' because
'[Jews] will catch you to a bag and eat you!'" (Spiegelman 149).
Although
race has defined humans since centuries ago, one question still remains: How
was it created, biologically or socially?
On one side, some consider race as a
biologically constructed concept, saying that race is defined by genetics. They
say that all people of a certain race have a certain set of genes that make
them the race that they are. For example, they claim that the dark pigmentation
of African American skin is the result of genetics in the genes that code for
melanin. Therefore, through a scientific lens, they consider race a
biologically constructed concept.
On the other hand, many others say that race
is a socially constructed concept. They say that race is not a concrete
subject: “Unlike a mountain, the existence of race requires that people
collectively agree and accept that it does exist” (Lusca, Race As A Social Construct).
In my opinion, I would consider race
as a socially constructed concept. Although the claim that the dark
pigmentation of African American skin is the result of genetics in the genes
that code for melanin is true, it would make the fact that Blacks were
considered inferior to Whites paradoxical. This is because even though the
black pigmentation of skin is scientifically considered a dominant trait among
humans, they were still socially treated recessively. The bottom line is that
skin color is biologically constructed while race, the human interpretation of
skin color, is socially constructed.
I love when you said "black pigmentation of skin is scientifically considered a dominant trait among humans, they were still socially treated recessively." That quote really defines the paradox of trying to define what race really is. Race not only encompasses the biological part, but it also includes the connotation people have given the term.
ReplyDeleteRohit!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your viewpoints on race is socially constructed. It is the "human interpretation" that defines us. Also, I liked your pictures saying how there really is only one race. However, the way people are identified has never been set in stone because human perception is always fluctuating. Great post!
I really appreciate how you showed two different definitions of race. I especially thought it was interesting to read about how you think race is a socially constructed concept. You even made a concession and rebuttal to help support your opinion. I actually agree with your definition of race because skin color is undeniably biological, but the definition of race can change depending on the society.
ReplyDeleteHi Rohit,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you split skin color into genetically constructed and race into socially constructed. I like how you viewed both sides of the argument and proved of the sides to be wrong. Nice integral at the bottom!
Nice post, Rohit! I really enjoyed the separation you gave to race when defining it, both socially and biologically. Your argument reminds of how people look at beauty - many say that our standards of beauty have been predetermined by hormones and evolutionary tactics, while its ever-changing side is determined by new shifts in society. Thanks for giving me something to think about!
ReplyDelete