Who's that Girl?

       There are different perceptions of race that presents a complex definition within itself. However, Sociologists has proven that race is a form of social construction; it is not based on biological aspects. In the documentary, “Race: The Power of Illusion, Episode 1,” Pilar Ossorio states, “There’s as much or more diversity and genetic difference within any racial group as there is between people of different racial groups.” This assertion explains how society constructed their ideal perception of race; then, created a division between ethnic and dominant group. This writing composition will interpret Ossorio’s concept of race in two different readings and discuss my impression of racial identity.

The term, “race” is controversial and misinterpreted. In the film, “Race: The Power of Illusion, Episode 1,” it discuss how genetic difference is the foundation of race. However, Ossorio argues that genetic marker does not indicate the formation of race. Race is culturally and socially constructed. If a single racial group face more barriers within their own community than other racial groups; then, this notions agrees that race is a form of social categorization. Race contributes to how people behave and live their lives daily. It determines how one interacts with other people. Moreover, Ossorio’s statement is displayed in the reading, "Why Your Race Isn’t Genetic," written by Michael White. The author explains that the physical characteristics such as hair texture, facial features, culture or other traits that are evidence of genetic differences. Based on genetic variation, researchers are able to locate the geographical origin. However, genetic difference does not define race.  The article states, “…if you asked that conference of geneticists to give you a genetic definition of race, they wouldn’t be able to do it. Human races are not natural genetic groups; they are socially constructed categories.” Race greatly resembles the imprint of culture and society. Therefore, it denotes the idea that race is biologically based.

In addition, in the documentary, Ossorio instituted that race is the tool throughout history to separate ethnical groups. She expressed, “There’s as much or more diversity and genetic difference within any racial group…” This assertion is displayed in the article, “The Persistent Problem of Colorism: Skin Tone, Status, and Inequality” written by Margaret Hunter. The author interprets race as a social construction; and further expressed that society’s perception of race creates oppression for the minority groups. Racial identity constructs the culture and physical traits of ethnic groups to assimilate to white culture. This reading observed three racial groups; African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans. These findings discovered a racial separation between lighter-skinned individuals of color and darker-skinned counterparts.  (Hunter, 2007). This notion is also displayed in Eduardo Bonilla-Silva’s article, “From Bi-Racial to Tri-Racial.” The reading suggests that the creation of racial identity interweaves with pigmentocracy. He explains the new racial system is divided into three components; Whites, Honorary Whites and Collective Blacks.  Race creates a division between ethnic and dominant group.

  

Furthermore, I have asserted Ossorio’s concept of race into two different readings. I do agree with Ossorio’s statement that race is socially constructed. I comprehend that genetic variation does not solely define race; and race creates oppression for the ethnic groups. However, I do not know how to respond to the following question, what is your racial identity? There are so many different definitions and conceptions to racial identity. Honestly, it can lead one to a state of confusion. Moreover, I can reassure that race is what YOU identify with. So, I am a Haitian-American woman with African and Indian ancestry. It’s unfortunate that I don’t have any knowledge to my African and Indian background, but I have fully acknowledged these cultural traits.

Works Cited

Hunter, M. (2007, June). The Persistent Problem of Colorism: Skin Tone, Status, and Inequality. Retrieved September 2016, from Wiley Online Library: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1751-9020.2007.00006.x/full

White, M. (2014, May). Why Your Race Isn’t Genetic. Retrieved September 2016, from Pacific Standard: https://psmag.com/why-your-race-isn-t-genetic-559908897f93#.3hu5cbnua