CQA, Chapters 1 and 4

1 If race and ethnicity is understood to be socially constructed, what difference would it make in our social life?

2. Explain the difference between assigning race and ethnicity and asserting it. How is that difference observable in our everyday lives?

3. What is the process of achieving a racial and ethnic identity, and what are the problems associated with that process?

If race and ethnicity were understood in mainstream society to be socially constructed, then the world would be a lot different. We could not justify racism and discrimination on the basis of biological race. Our justifications would be debunked. We would have nothing to base our injustices on.
When we assign race and ethnicity to others, we are judging them. When we assert race and ethnicity, we are assuming that there are biological ties and evidence to back up our judgements. Asserting race and ethnicity can be very dangerous because it gives a person (in their own mind) justification to treat others in a certain way. This could lead to racism and discrimination.
In order to achieve a racial and ethnic identity, a person must be analyzed by others. According to their appearance and cultural practices such as language they are categorized and given an identity by others. This stereotype image that they are given does likely not suit them and differs greatly from who they are. The process allows others to think that they are the expert and that they know that person just by judging them.