ashford university Discussion responses – Description
1.Katheleen Cordero
Jul 10, 2023 at 12:55 AM
Hello class and instructor,
Subject: Race and Ethnicity
Explain why biology does not explain race.
Biology does not explain race because biology has to do with genetics. “Differences in physical features, such as skin color, hair color, eye color, and height, exist both within and between groups. Physical features can vary even within families. However, these differences are not due to an underlying biological basis of race. There is more biological variation within our so-called racial groups than there is between them. Race must derive from human interventions. These interventions reflect the social construction of race” (Coates et al., 2021). Race is not defined by genetics but derived from society based on how people act and interact.
Summarize the difference between race and ethnicity.
“The term race refers to a social and cultural system by which we categorize people based on presumed biological differences. While the term has biological overtones, it has virtually nothing to do with biology and everything to do with society. Race exists as a system by which we, as a nation, have categorized various population groups. With these classifications have come a whole series of stereotypes, presumed attributes, behaviors, attitudes, and identities” (Coates et al., 2021). For example people who make less money are considered the minority or poor. If you make lots of money or are a millionaire you are considered to be in the rich category. People who are attracted to the same sex is considered to be in the LGBTQ category. Social and economic statuses are one of the ways in which we are placed in such categories. Other categories include being white or black, young or old, and male or female. Society will always have a category for everything and everyone. Based on beliefs and what is taught to them throughout history. Education and experiences within the criminal justice system play a big part of this as well. According to the Race & Ethnicity: Crash Course Sociology #34 video, “Ethnicities are socially constructed categories based on cultural traits that society finds important rather than strictly biological traits” (Jenkins, n.d.).
Include: Why is it suggested that race and ethnicity are socially constructed?
This is suggested so that a census could be taken. To determine population sizes. Also so that in politics they knew who or which groups in these categories were voting or representing them.
Subject: The Spanish colonization
Evaluate how race was socially constructed during the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
Anyone who had a dark-skinned color tone would be considered as slaves by the Spanish and Portuguese. “As a result of this familiarity with dark-skinned people, both the Spanish and Portuguese would turn to Africans as potential slaves during their colonization enterprise in the New World” (Encyclopedia.com, n.d.). The muslim view of sub-Saharan Africans was adopted. By the color of skin and slavery.
Distinguish how the Spanish cultural ideologies affect how the Spanish constructed race.
The Spanish and Portuguese had the most power during the Spanish colonization. Religion, laws and historical references affected how the Spanish constructed race. the Bible was one of those references.
Identify how colonizers benefited from how they constructed race.
Colonizers benefited from how they constructed race in that “the combinations of various strands of such ideology provided a potent force in the conquest and eventual colonial reordering of the Americas” (Encyclopedia.com, n.d.).
Subject: The Matrix of Race
Using Figure 1.4 in your text, identify where you currently are on the continuum. You do not need to share this here but be mindful of what you learned about yourself.
Evaluate how it might be difficult for some people to be honest with their own placement.
It might be difficult for some people to be honest with their own placement because believe it or not some people are afraid, some people care about what others may think about them. Especially if they know who they are as a person. They may feel that they do not want to be judged by others. Some people may be in denial about what they represent because they are ashamed. Most of what they learned comes from what they were taught and how they grew up. The environment and beliefs they lived in and were raised around.
Kathy
2. Jennifer Conille
Jul 7, 2023 at 5:45 PM
Subject: Race and Ethnicity
People are divided into different groups according to physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features under the social construct of race. Biology examines the genetic diversity of humans, but it does not offer a precise or rational justification for classifying people into distinct racial groups. “While the term has biological overtones, it has virtually nothing to do with biology and everything to do with society” (Coates et al., 2021). People are divided into groups according to their race, a social construct based on physical traits, including skin color, hair texture, and facial features. It frequently has associations with broad racial groups like Black, White, Asian, Latino, or other racial categories. A group of people’s shared cultural background, ancestry, language, traditions, and customs are referred to as their ethnicity. Numerous groups can be categorized as ethnic. Ethnicity, unlike race, is more concerned with cultural and social ties than it is with physical traits. Since race and ethnicity are the results of human interpretation and categorization rather than being inherent or fixed biological qualities, they are seen as socially manufactured concepts.
Subject: The Spanish colonization
Race was a major factor in the social structure and hierarchical organization of the population during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. To classify and govern the many groups of people they found, the Spanish conquerors used a variety of strategies. Spanish cultural beliefs and the historical setting of colonialism influenced how race was socially created throughout the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Caste is the name of a permanent hierarchical racial classification system that the Spanish invaders used to classify and govern the various populations they encountered (Coates et al., 2021). During the time of Spanish colonization, the cultural beliefs of Spain had a tremendous impact on how race was perceived. During the time of colonialism, these Spanish cultural ideals provided a framework for the construction of race. They created hierarchies, defended rule, and made it easier for Spanish culture and authority to rule. Controlling and taking use of the colonized populations’ labor and resources allowed the colonizers to profit from the race they had created (Coates et al., 2021).
Subject: The Matrix of Race
An individual could find it challenging to be completely honest about their position on the action continuum. Fear, embarrassment, backlash, etc., could be brought on by this.
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