Race: The Power of An Illusion (Episode 1) Ex. Credit

In Episode 1: “The Difference Between Us” the main argument/thesis is that the visual differences we as people see are the reasons for the existence of race. People place others in categories and identify them just by outward appearance or looks.

Race has become a biologically real difference that goes from the external appearance to an internal belief of people. We make too many assumptions based on race, or rather outward visual appearance. Therefore race is actually an idea which we created because of certain external characteristics. As seen in the experiments or projects done in the class, which was shown in the video, there is not as much difference between people of so-called “races.” From one individual of one race to one individual of another race there could be more similarities than if each were compared to an individual of their own race. Just the fact that their skin color is different is only one small external characteristic. We tend to try to associate performance behavior to race. We always look for answers and the truth in order to explain difference, but sometimes we just cannot explain it. Groups that have been oppressed (not privileged) in the past and present have had to live in harsh conditions such as reservations and poor ghettos. Biology is used as an excuse for social difference even though certain similar genes for a certain group simply do not exist. There is no way to explain race besides different colored skin and as a cultural difference and there is no way to measure it. The superior group, “whites,” sometimes leans away from being with the inferior groups, “non-whites.” Placing people in a certain race is solely based on skin color and that only. We place assumptions with certain skin colors that in a sense identify groups. Visual differences therefore fool us because they say nothing about the actual people. There exists inequality because of privilege v. oppression, or “whites” v. “non-whites.” As the video concluded, race can be truthfully classified as a human invention.

Will people ever stop “judging a book by its cover?” I think not simply because many people do not, and do not want to take the time to get to know someone. It is just so much easier to look at someone and make very general assumptions about them. I guess that would also be categorized as laziness too, which we do not lack. Judging is part of what we have learned to do. We do not even have to think before judging. Even if we do not realize when we are judging we so often do judge. Finally, people stay away from certain other people, and if this habit is not broken then people will not get to know other people.

I agree with the video that race is a human invention. I believe that through history people have defined what race is and assumptions have been placed on the certain groups or races. I do not think that making assumptions about others just by a single characteristic, skin color, is right or good to do because we are all part of a larger group. We are all Americans right? That at times has united everyone. Times of crises bring the nation together, but only briefly. I know that I do judge and assume even at times when I do not realize it. However, we all need to TRY! Try to get along, be nice, not assume, and not place people in certain groups based on a skin color alone.