Social Construction of Race
People often stereotype individuals and groups by their biological appearance. The personal traits individuals hold categorize them into races. But, across the world cultures have different categories, sub-categories and perceptions of race. This means that race really isn't biological; race is a social construction that differs among cultures. Racial categories that an individual identifies with and the racial categories others identify the individual with can differ. This happens because of the changing social construction of race even within the same community. To me, the most interesting concept of the social construction of race is how people change the race they identify with throughout their life.
A study on racial identity among adolescents showed that what race they classify themselves in changes depending on their surroundings. The study found that adolescents were more likely to identify with "multi-racial" at school than at home. This is interesting to me because the people around the subject influenced their racial identity. This is a prime example of how race is socially constructed and not biologically constructed. If race was biological, the answers would be consistent no matter the environment. Newman also points out how peoples' racial identity changes depending on how their race will help or hurt them. College applicants strategically choose which race to identify with in order influence the colleges' decision. This is also very interesting to me because my racial identity has never changed. I have always identified with being white because I have light skin, brown/green eyes, and dark blond hair (naturally). I am mostly European, German, Irish, and French Canadian. But, I am also Native American. Half of my moms sibling "look" Native American, dark hair, dark eyes and tan skin. But, I have never considered myself anything other than "white". The social construction of race has influenced my consistency with my own racial identity. Because I don't "look" Native American, nobody has ever classified me as "multi-racial" or "Native American".
The socially constructed concept of race changes over time, surroundings, and across the world. Race is defined by external forces rather than biology.
Clearly you have a solid grasp of the concept. But, again, what you're offering falls short of the guideline that what you write be "the equivalent of 1.5-2 pages." As I've said elsewhere, any question can be addressed in a paragraph, two pages, a chapter, or a book. It's a matter of the breadth and depth of treatment that's asked for. That said, I'm not concerned about your grasp of the material.
ReplyDeleteI read you entry well. I think you defined "social construction" very well that race is actually defined by a social construction which dffers among culturally, not biologically. I also like that even though you got some Native American blood, people define you as a white not a mixed or multiraced person. However, It could have been better if you develop your entry more like adding another specific, interesting example you have experienced as a multiraced person. Anyway, it was a good entry to read.
ReplyDeleteGood explanation of race being socially constructed . when you say But, across the world cultures have different categories, sub-categories and perceptions of race. Change to But, across different world cultures they have different categories and, sub-categories to perceive race. it would sound better. I have a question Do you identify with your native heritage in other ways?
ReplyDeleteThis is very well written, it has a good demonstration of your understanding, it is very focused, and interesting. Good job!
ReplyDelete