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Exploring the Social Construction of Race: A Historical and Scientific Overview

This informative text delves into how race is a social construct shaped by history, biology, and societal divisions. Discussing topics such as the history of race and biology, eugenics, social Darwinism, and genetic evidence showing the minimal genetic differences between races, it challenges the notion of race as a biological reality. The text also explores the origins of racial divisions in ancient societies, slavery, imperialism, and colonialism, illustrating how these constructs have shaped society. The narrative is enriched with anecdotes like the personal experiences of Mark Mathabane encountering segregation and navigating the apartheid education system in South Africa. Ultimately, the text prompts reflection on moving beyond racial distinctions to embrace and celebrate diverse cultural heritages.

richardstephens
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Exploring the Social Construction of Race: A Historical and Scientific Overview

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Presentation Transcript

  1. RACEis socially constructed HUH?

  2. Humans building meaning and sometimes power around differences in skin color. Without humans creating it, the idea of race would not exist.

  3. Race is not biological • History of race and biology • Eugenics • Social Darwinism

  4. Does science support biology of race? • Technological advances- Can now look at DNA • Human Genome Project • Shows 99% of DNA between races is similar!

  5. Darwin and Evolution • Idea of common descent: All organisms had a common ancestor • Evidence- Shows that all humans evolved from Africa

  6. Hardly any genetic difference between races • Evidence shows that all races came from Africa (common descent) • All evidence shows no biological basis of race!

  7. The History of Differences

  8. Divisions in Ancient Societies • Religion • Social Class • Language

  9. Slavery • Origin of English word: “slavery” • Slavery in North America • Justification of race-based slavery

  10. Imperialism & Colonialism • Maintain Status Quo • Race Laws • Apartheid • Jim Crow Laws

  11. Racial emphasis hasn’t always existed • Societies have separated based on differences in skin color to maintain power

  12. The social construction of race can affect a person’s lifeopportunities and beliefs about himself/herself.

  13. Mathabane Encounters Segregation • Attempt to board “white-only” bus • Personal feelings of anger and surprise • Realization of limited opportunities

  14. Mark Mathabane’s Education Experience • Difference between white and black schools in apartheid South Africa • Conversation with Clyde • Inspiration to Overcome System • Development of personal confidence

  15. How can we move away from racial distinction and simultaneously move toward celebrating people’s culture and heritage?

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