blog#9

Blog 9 race

Race is a modern idea. Ancient societies did not divide people according to physical differences, but according to religion, status, class, even language. Race and freedom were born together. When the U.S was founded, equality was a radical new idea. But our early economy was based largely on slavery. The concept of race helped explain why some people could be denied the rights and freedoms that others took for granted.
Race justified social inequalities as natural. As the race concept evolved, it justified extermination of native Americans, exclusion of Asian immigrants, and taking of Mexican lands. Racial practices were institutionalized within government, laws, and society.
Slavery predates race. Throughout history, societies have enslaved others, often as a result of conquest or war, but not because of physical characteristics or a belief in natural inferiority. In America, a unique set of circumstances led to the enslavement of people who looked similar.
Race has no genetic basis. Not one characteristic, trait, or, gene distinguishes all members of one so-called race from another so-called race. Skin color is only skin deep. Most traits are inherited independently of one another. The genes for skin color have nothing to do with the gene for hair texture, eye shape, blood type, musical talent, or athletic ability.
Race is not biological, but racism is for real. Race is still a powerful social idea that gives people different access to opportunities and recources. Our government and society have created advantages to being white. This affects everyone, whether we are aware of it or not.
Colorblindness will not end racism. Pretending race doesn’t exist is not the same as creating equality. Race is more than stereotypes and individual prejudice. To combat racism, we need to identify and remedy social policies that advantage some groups at the expense of others.