Race: Biological or Cultural?
analytical Essay
768 words
Through research of DNA samples, scientists have been able to declare that race is not biologically constructed due to the similarities between human genes. Nevertheless, in reality, people still emphasized on biological aspects such as skin color, or hair texture to categorize others into different races. This in turn, denied the true identity of race, which it is culturally constructed. Ethnicity, by definition is also culturally constructed, therefore it greatly resemble race. There is no real clear line to distinct the two.
According to Nicholson, encounters between explorers, such as Christopher Columbus and Henry Hudson, and Native Americans were always friendly. There was no “expression of hostility based on physical appearance” (Nicholson 15) between the two groups. When there was any hostility, it was not based on physical appearance, but rather more of culture practices or values. Cannibalism, for example, “seems to take place without any regard to race, creed, or religion.” In another case, Nicholson mentions that during the Crusade, about ten thousands Jews were massacred by Crusaders. It “was a religious slaughter without racial implications.” (Nicholson 26) Through these examples, we can see that Nicholson suggested that race is not scientifically valid because people did not judge others based on physical appearances, but the notion of race is mainly described by one’s skin color or hair texture. Nicholson’s arguments coincided with modern scientific views, which conclude that race doesn’t exist, due to the fact that DNA inside people with different skin color and hair texture is 99.9 percent similar. Therefore, the notion that race is biologically constructed in invalid.
Social reality of race simply refers to the fact that people still believed that races are based on physical traits such as skin color or hair texture to judge others. However, what they are doing is stereotyping which lead to discrimination and racism. Also, their actions denied the fact race is culturally constructed, meaning people have different customs, religions, and values from culture to culture. The patterns of biological variation among humans are extremely complex and constantly changing. All of us could be classified into a number of different "races", depending on what genetic traits are emphasized. For example, if you divide people up on the basis of stature or blood types, the geographic groupings are clearly different from those defined on the basis of skin color. Focusing on such deceptive distinguishing traits as skin color, body shape, and hair texture causes us to magnify differences and ignore similarities between people.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that scientists have declared that race is not biologically constructed due to similarities between human genes. however, people still emphasized on biological aspects such as skin color, or hair texture to categorize others into different races.
- Explains nicholson's view that encounters between explorers, such as christopher columbus and henry hudson, and native americans were always friendly. there was no "expression of hostility based on physical appearance."
- Analyzes how nicholson's arguments coincided with modern scientific views, which conclude that race is biologically constructed in invalid.
- Explains the social reality of race, which is stereotyping and discriminating against others. the patterns of biological variation among humans are complex and constantly changing.
- Explains that ethnic groups share certain beliefs, values, habits, and customs because of their normal background. ethnicity means identification with an ethnic group and exclusion from certain other groups.
- Explains that race is a biological subspecies, consisting of anatomical traits that distinguish it clearly from other races. the belief that races exist is more common among the public than the scientists.
- Opines that scientists have agreed that race is not scientifically valid, because human are genetically the same based on varied dna samples. however, people are still ignorant on this fact, and still categorized others into races.
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- Analyzes how a swedish botanist named carolus linnaeus established the classification system for various forms of life.
- Explains that european scientists defined race by separating homo sapiens into three to six different groups. the human skull was used as a way to justify the idea of races.
- Explains that biological anthropologists have studied and described the biological variations that exist in the human species. natural selection, proposed by charles darwin, is the first explanation.
- Explains that gene flow occurs because people from one population mate with those in another.
- Explains that genetic drift is a phenomenon that occurs when people move from one geographic area to another. it has no connection with natural selection or mating preferences.
- Explains that scientists began to realize that the racial map of humans did not match what they were learning of human genes.
- Explains that new data in human biology have completely revamped the traditional notions of race.
- Explains that the concept of race is a historical construct and not one that provides either valid classification or an explanatory process.
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In this essay, the author
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- Explains that people who share similar genes look more alike than people with completely different genetic makeups.
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- Describes the major paradigm shifts required to understand why the idea of race is a biological myth.
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- Explains how scientists today are influenced by their beliefs or social context, which fuels their research and experiments.
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In this essay, the author
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- Opines that race is not a proven biological fact. biological evidence suggests there are genetic codes for everything from eye and hair color to how tall someone will grow.
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- Concludes that race is not biologically accurate, but it is still a part of humanity's history and present everyday life.
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In this essay, the author
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- Describes tobias, phillip, baxtor, and basil sansom's "the meaning of race."
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In this essay, the author
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- Analyzes how charles mills' "but what are you really?' the metaphysics of race" argues that african-americans are still viewed as the lower race.
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- Argues that if race were a natural value or concept, the fluctuation of public view regarding blacks and their intellectual capacity wouldn't be occurring.
- Argues that blacks have been unable to advance in terms of their social standing, even though it has been over one hundred and fifty years since they were freed from the shackles of slavery.
- Opines that the societal predisposition about african-americans affects their given conditions.
1513 wordsRead More