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Social Dichotomy Of Race

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Social Dichotomy Of Race
When people try to define race, two common theories tend to develop. One theory is that race is biological. The second theory is that race is only a social construct. Both theories are correct. I believe that race is both. I also believe that race is such a complex concept that it can't be explained in this simple dichotomy. Scientists argue continually about whether race is biological or not. I see both sides of this argument, which is possibly because I believe that those on the side that deny race as being biological are simply relying on semantics. I see that argument as, therefore, unnecessary and one that continues only because we, as humans, are universally unable to agree on anything. The concept that race is biological seems …show more content…
It is practically staring us in the face. Race is shown to us regularly in television, films, and even our laws. Problems arise from all these methods of portrayal. There is a long history of showing negative stereotypes in both film and television. The particular negative images used in television and films...come from a long legacy of social inequality and oppression, and their retelling strengthens these beliefs in white supremacy. By showing the negative stereotypes of minorities, the majority is able to justify the subordination of racial minority groups. When stereotypes are shown to us so regularly, negative images of racial minorities become a part of the collective consciousness. For an example of media portrayal of negative minority stereotypes, we can look at the 1992 riot in Los Angeles. In this case the media encouraged the perception that the black community was solely responsible for the riots and disturbances, even though the police reports show that of those arrested only 36% were black. This is just one example. Many television shows and video games show an overwhelming amount of African Americans and Hispanics as criminals. This is one way that race has become a social construction that is ingrained within our …show more content…
Race matters because people are still judged by the color of their skin. The next question that arises when we are made aware of this is whether we, as a society, should try to get rid of things that perpetuate race as a social construct. As you can see, the argument that race promotes racism is carried over into the social construct side of things as well. I do not believe that it would be possible to get rid of racism by disallowing the term race. The creation of a "color-blind" society, one that ignores race, would not get rid of racism because it has been ingrained within so many people for so long. I will acknowledge that it might be better to have a society that ignores race. I also agree that this might eventually be obtainable, but I am confident in my assertion that this is not possible at this point in

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