Consider What We Have Talked About In Class And Lecture

Consider What We Have Talked About In Class In Lecture And Prior To Co

Consider what we have talked about in class in lecture and prior to completing this journal entry. Be sure you have watched the video, VV 4 “Skin Deep.” This journal entry prompts reflection on the use of race as a biological classification in the United States, personal perspectives on race, and insights gained from class discussions and the video.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of race in the United States has historically been rooted in a biological classification system, which attempted to categorize individuals based on physical characteristics such as skin color, facial features, and hair type. However, contemporary scientific understanding challenges the validity of race as a biological construct, emphasizing that race is largely a social construct with limited biological basis. This shift has significant implications for societal perceptions, policies, and individual identities.

The question of whether the use of race as a biological classification will change as people become more informed depends on multiple sociocultural factors. While increased access to scientific knowledge and educational initiatives may promote greater understanding that race is not a scientifically valid biological determinant, persistent racial stereotypes, institutional biases, and societal ingrained perceptions can slow or impede this shift. Historical resistance to changing racial paradigms, especially in a society with a legacy of systemic racism, means that change in this area may be gradual and fraught with resistance. Nonetheless, cultural shifts driven by education, activism, and scientific advocacy have the potential to influence public perceptions positively.

My own perspective on race has evolved over time, especially as I have gained more education about the biological and social aspects of race. Growing up, I, like many, was influenced by societal stereotypes and media portrayals, which often conflated race with biological determinism. Over the course of my college education, particularly through coursework and discussions about race, genetics, and social justice, I have come to understand that race is more accurately viewed as a social construct that influences lived experiences rather than a strict biological category. This understanding has deepened my awareness of systemic inequalities, the importance of cultural identity, and the need to challenge racial stereotypes.

The video "Skin Deep" provided a vivid illustration of how superficial physical features are often misused to justify social inequalities. It highlighted how society tends to classify individuals based on skin color, impacting opportunities, social interactions, and perceptions of worth. The video reinforced the idea that race is an arbitrary and socially constructed grouping rather than a biological essence. Watching the video and reflecting on class discussions have reinforced my view that efforts to educate society about the non-biological basis of race can promote more equitable treatment and dismantle harmful stereotypes.

In conclusion, change in the way race is perceived and used as a biological classification depends on ongoing education and societal shifts toward recognizing race as a social construct. My personal perspective has shifted toward understanding the importance of viewing race through a social and cultural lens rather than a biological one, which I believe is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Continued dialogue, education, and scientific advocacy are crucial in dismantling misconceptions and promoting a more accurate understanding of human diversity.

References

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- VV 4 “Skin Deep" Video. (Year). [Video]. [Publishing Organization or Platform].