Understanding Race as a Social Construct: A Psychological Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Definition of Race
The American Psychological Association (APA) asserts that race is fundamentally a social construct, devoid of any genetic or biological foundation. This perspective challenges the outdated belief that groups can be hierarchically ranked based on physical traits. Unlike the anthropological study of race, which examines migration and human adaptation throughout history, contemporary discussions of race focus on its social implications. The APA also highlights that racism adversely affects everyone, shaping beliefs, worldviews, and interpersonal relationships. Racism cannot exist without the social framework of race.
Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist recognized as the father of modern taxonomy, first formalized the concept of human "races" in 1758 in his work, Systema Naturae. He erroneously linked character traits to anatomy, stating: "Homo sapiens afer (the African Black) is ruled by caprice; Homo sapiens europaeus (the White European) is ruled by customs."
In the realm of psychological science, there is a growing acknowledgment that the concept of race, as a social construct, is inherently detrimental to humanity. Indeed, race acts as a pathology that manifests in the form of racism.
Section 1.1: The Origins of the Racial Construct
The Racial Hierarchy Industrialization Complex relies on media that promotes the harmful belief that skin color is tied to intelligence and character. The education system must actively counteract these myths by providing accurate historical context.
Concealing the true historical nature of race in educational curricula is misleading and diverts young minds from developing critical thinking skills and genuine human interaction that transcend racial ideologies. We must cultivate a world where ideas of superiority and inferiority pertain only to objects, not people.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Pathology of Race
Section 1.2: Evolving Perspectives on Race
As humans, we need to evolve our understanding of the racial social construct's purpose, which has consistently served to perpetuate negative identities that are anti-Black, irrespective of actual skin color. Teaching children merely to respect one another, or to accept that we are "all God's children," is insufficient. It is vital that we dismantle the myths surrounding race and convey the truth about its creation and the inhumane consequences it has wrought.
Chapter 2: A Vision for the Future
The first video, "Why Psychology Should Care About Racial and Ethnic Diversity with Robert M. Sellers, PhD," delves into the importance of understanding race in psychological contexts and its impact on diverse communities.
The second video, "Racism in America - Psychology's Dialogue on Race and Health (Trailer)," provides a glimpse into the ongoing discussions around race, health, and psychology in America.
Our aim must be to foster a society that educates its children about the fabrications inherent in the racial construct, while also celebrating the contributions of individuals from all backgrounds. In a world where human character is not tied to "race," there is no hierarchy, and thus, no racism. This vision encompasses a future where generations regard one another simply as human beings—celebrating our distinct cultural values, diverse ethnicities, and various spiritual practices, while foremost recognizing our shared humanity.
Thank you for engaging with this important discussion.
© 2024 Andrew P. Brown III, PhD. All rights reserved.