It is interesting to me that there is more genetic variation within people of the same race than there is among people of differing races. People from every "race" experience skin disorders such as albinism or vitiligo. Various "races" share traits like blood type, eye color, and susceptibility to certain diseases. The concept of race has been shown to be a social construct. In Brazil, for example, there are several gradations of race, depending on physical features-- eye color, hair color and texture, lightness and darkness of skin, etc. In this system, a father can belong to one classification, the mother can be grouped into another, and their children can belong to a third, altogether different classification. Siblings can also fit into differing "races".
In America, it is more rigid than that. Our president, for example, has a Caucasian mother, but he is classified in our society as African American. It is no secret that historically, relations between those two "races" has not been pretty. In light of the uphill fight and tragic violence our country experienced because of bigotry, the recent story involving an alleged incident of racial profiling is worthy of discussion. This evening, President Obama invited St. James Crowley (alleged white man) and Henry Louis Gates (alleged black man) to engage in a reconciliatory conversation over beer and peanuts. This is something that was not even imaginable just decades ago.
In my opinion, it is a conversation that needs to happen, especially since the ethnic landscape in America is shifting. Ideologies of hatred and fear towards those unlike oneself are not going to serve well the future of this country. Instead of responding with cynicism and unsubstantiated apprehension, like Fox's Glenn Beck likes to do, we could all learn to recognize the "teachable moments" amongst those unlike ourselves, and take an opportunity to grow. Our country will only become stronger for it.
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Shelby points out that races are defined differently in different situations and cultures. In America, I am afraid that we define mainly by looks, or assumptions. For example, our President is African American, but in actuality is half white. He looks black. This brings up the disturbing reality that we are defined by our physical characteristics. When asked to put down a race before taking a standardized test, it just puts a definition on our identities. I find it funny that on passport applications they ask us about physical appearance and what our race is, or at least how our country defines it as. Passports are used for international travel, and other countries have different races
On college applications we are asked what our race is, but not anything about our personalities. It is unfair that we are not just evaluated by the people that we are apart from our physical attributes. It is unfair that some are discriminated against for the color of their skin.
I appreciate what Obama is doing because he is trying to mend our nation’s past history of racial aggression and prejudice. He is taking it one beer at a time, and trying his best. He is a living testament to change.
In reading this article by Shelby about the recent ‘beer at the white house’ it brings to light the different ways that racism is still evident in our society today. This is a good insight into race and how it is perceived. Sometimes I think people forget how many ways race can play a part in daily life. Race is based a lot on perception, just like with Obama, he looks African American on the outside so by default that is how he is referred to, regardless of his heritage.
I also agree that yes, what just recently happened is something that 100 years ago would not have occurred, and it does show how far we have come, somewhat. The ironic thing to me about this situation is that the main reason for the beer on the lawn event was due to Obama’s own comments. Saying that the police acting stupidly before know all the facts, just goes to show that it doesn’t matter what position you might hold, there is still a chip on the shoulder that is talking. Had he not been so quick to make his own judgment of the law officials then that event would not have taken place. Yes he might be viewed as the ‘bigger’ man for trying to have two different races come together, but the view of the event did not seem to change either man’s own feelings on the overall event the originally occurred. So I'm sure that this event has really gained anything in how the public views are towards race, but I guess one step at a time is how all things come to be.
This blog is in response to Shelby’s Blog entitled Beer Summit: A promising day for American race relations.
After I read Shelby's blog about the meeting President Obama had with St. James Crowley and Henry Louis Gates I could not help but smile. Shelby did an extraordinary job of explaining an area that our country is lacking in. The first part of the article is well put together as it gives a brief background of the definitions of racial diversity in different countries. I was very unaware of how other countries define races by eye color and hair color. I mistakenly assumed that the rest of the world groups races together by the color of their skin and where you are from. I also did not know brothers and sisters can be classified as different races in certain cultures.
I believe that Shelby makes a point that should be heard by citizens throughout our country and the world for that matter. President Bush sat down for a beer and peanuts with members of different races at the White House just a few days ago. Shelby states "This is something that was not even imaginable just decades ago." Unfortunately, she is absolutely correct in her statement. I also would argue that this sort of event does not occur today as often as it should. Races should interact in more ways than just being in the same line at a grocery store or being placed in the same class together. We as Americans should want to learn more about the different races that are a part of this nation. Personally, I enjoy hanging out with all different races and cultures. I have close friends who are Hispanic, Asian, African America, Jewish, and White. Race is one thing I could care less about in a person. Unfortunately, this is not the same way all Americans feel.
America is all about freedom and opportunity. Both of these words should go into the mindset of Americans when it comes to meeting new people. We are lucky that our country does not discriminate against other races. However, millions of Americans are still afraid to approach a person of a different race then their own. We are one of the most diverse countries in the world and we should take advantage of this by getting to know others around us. We have the chance to work, play, and live with hundreds of different cultures and we should embrace the opportunity, not run from it.
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