In order to remain focused and concise, this paper has drawn generalities about the evolution of the concept of race based on the time frame as well as only including pertinent markers in the history. In order to notice the problems within some of the historical markers, the problems with using phenotype are identified. To detail some of the reasoning within this paper, the concept of race that I was raised with is explained. Lastly, my statement of eliminating the use of the term "race" officially in all institutional contexts due to the change of the definition of the concept of race is included.
History of the Concept of Race Looking all the way back to the beginning, there was not any substantial sense of race until the Middle Ages with …show more content…
This is due to phenotype not correlating to genetic markers. Upon further analysis, human DNA indicates that 94% of human genetic variation occurs within the classifications of race. Whereas, only 6% of variation is between one group and another. For this reason and many others, one must realize that race is not scientifically-based, but rather socially constructed. Many would assume that long-term genetics would correlate to phenotype, although they do not. Due to human biological adaptation, the environment plays a role in the phenotypical characteristics that are present in certain regions. By stating this, scientists found that biological similarity does not mean recent common ancestry. For example, dark skin is shared by both tropical Africans and Southern Indians.
My Perspective on the Concept of …show more content…
When in reality, race is a socially constructed term that places people in categories based on certain phenotypical features in order to create a superiority among people. Being that the parameters that are generally applied in order to classify races are based upon contrasts in society, this term should most definitely be eliminated in all institutional contexts due to the concept of race recently changing. Although there will be people in opposition of this opinion due to the multitude of factors based on history and scientific reasoning, elimination of the term would be the most beneficial
History of the Concept of Race Looking all the way back to the beginning, there was not any substantial sense of race until the Middle Ages with …show more content…
This is due to phenotype not correlating to genetic markers. Upon further analysis, human DNA indicates that 94% of human genetic variation occurs within the classifications of race. Whereas, only 6% of variation is between one group and another. For this reason and many others, one must realize that race is not scientifically-based, but rather socially constructed. Many would assume that long-term genetics would correlate to phenotype, although they do not. Due to human biological adaptation, the environment plays a role in the phenotypical characteristics that are present in certain regions. By stating this, scientists found that biological similarity does not mean recent common ancestry. For example, dark skin is shared by both tropical Africans and Southern Indians.
My Perspective on the Concept of …show more content…
When in reality, race is a socially constructed term that places people in categories based on certain phenotypical features in order to create a superiority among people. Being that the parameters that are generally applied in order to classify races are based upon contrasts in society, this term should most definitely be eliminated in all institutional contexts due to the concept of race recently changing. Although there will be people in opposition of this opinion due to the multitude of factors based on history and scientific reasoning, elimination of the term would be the most beneficial