What does it mean that race is “socially constructed”?
In: Other
Simple answer: Because all humans are humans, and the differences between them are both small and within the normal range of differences in a species.
“Race” was made up to divide people into “us vs them” groups. Tribes, basically. When the only difference is skin color. The ONLY difference.
Think about it this way. If people have different skin colors, they call that different “races” right?
Sooooo… Why are different hair colors called different “races”?
Why are blonde people and redhead people considered the “same race” when they have significant genetic differences (Google “redhead anesthetic” to see) while blonde Europeans and Africans don’t have that difference?
This is because race is made up by people in society. Only. Based on whatever rules they feel like. Skin is a rule, but not height, hair, eyes, or even genetics. And the rules have CHANGED over time.
The best example? In the year 1899, Irish people were not considered to be “the white race”
I’m serious about that.
https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/when-irish-immigrants-werent-considered-white.htm
If the Irish weren’t considered white, and then later they were, that’s all the proof you need that race is quite literally made up
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