Cornell and Hartmann, chapter 2: “Mapping the terrain: definitions”

1. Is race socially constructed? Before you read the assigned article, did you believe that biological races are real? Did the article change your opinion about the biological basis of race?

2. If race is socially constructed, why do most people in the US believe it is biological and act accordingly?

3. Is there a race gene? Has science proven the biological components of race?

 

I presented on this chapter earlier in the semester, so I had already read the chapter. Even before I read this article, I believed that race was socially constructed. My past experience in sociology as a sociology major has provided me with much information about race and social constructs. Many years ago I had believed that biological races are real. I have since come to the realization that we all come from the same thing. We are all humans. Yes, we do come from different parts of the world and have different hair and skin colours, but these physical features do not define us. Race is an idea about people who look different. It is an idea that was constructed but that appears to be real in society. We use this to create heirarchies and discriminate.

Many people are convinced by this construct that it is real. There are even some studies that claim that one race is smarter or faster than another. Although these studies are built on the idea that race is real, it is more likely that we will find many people who are incredibly different from one another in one racial group, but who can identify with people in other racial groups more closely. Although race is not real, racism is a byproduct of the beleif of race, and it's effects are very real. People are discriminated against and beat because of their race. This is a problem that results from the belief of biological races.