Abstract This paper describes the history of race as a distinctly Western idea. Through this process, the writer shows how and when the concept of "race" was invented or socially constructed. It then emphasizes the point that race has no biological reality by focusing on genetics and human variation, among other factors that repudiate the notion that race is biologically real. Finally, it looks at how the concept of race is, indeed, as Hacking states, "quite bad as it is," and puts forth a new archetype, one that does away with the concept of race altogether and focuses on the uniqueness of individual human beings.
From the Paper "What does it mean to say that race is "socially constructed"? In fact, what do we mean when we say that anything is socially constructed? Ian Hacking, after researching many books on social construction, stated that in order for something - he called it "X" - to be socially constructed, it must adhere to the following two premises: (0) In the present state of affairs, X is taken for granted; X appears to be inevitable. (1) X need not have existed, or need not be at all as it is. X, or X as it is at present, is not determined by the nature of things; it is not inevitable. Hacking goes on to state that these next two claims are also usually, though not always, implied by the use of the phrase "social construction": (2) X is quite bad as it is. (3) We would be much better off if X were done away with, or at least radically transformed."
Abstract This paper discusses the sport of illegal street racing which, although seen by many as a dangerous and harmful activity is actually full of custom, tradition, and history. It shakes off the stereotype of street racing as just another juvenile crime group by showing that the majority of participants are in fact employed full-time, generally as mechanics, or in other trades such as carpentry, boiler making or shop fitting while others tend to be in full-time education, either at high school or ay local universities. It shows how although 18- to 25-year-olds make up the core the illegal street racing culture, the trend cuts across all races, as well as both genders and how it provides a drug-free and violence free society to compete in, while still earning respect from their peers.
From the Paper "The street racing sub-culture draws its main interest, however, due to two elements which also exist in the mainstream culture, those of masculinity, and the symbol of the car. Various sociological and criminological authors have discussed this link. Australian sociologist Rob White, in his book No Space of Their Own, focuses on the way in which, for many men, "the car becomes indelibly stamped into their consciousness as a key symbol of masculinity" (1990, 124-25). Criminologist Chris Cunneen (1985, 85) claims that the relationship is one of power, arguing, ?There is a necessity in seeing the way cars and motorbikes are symbolic objects of masculine power."
Abstract This paper discusses how formula one racing is significant because of its appeal throughout the Western world. It looks at how the races occur around the world in countries as varied as the United States, Canada, France, and Monaco and how consequently, these races, also known as Grand Prix races, are internationally popular because of the possibility of rooting for one national hero of the sport.
From the Paper "Any rising popularity of automobile racing in the world today must, of course, pay homage to the form of that race that is recognized to be one of the most refined and esteemed, the Formula One race. Formula One racing is a type of automobile racing that has a century long tradition and history. It is a race form that has developed over the decades to contain elaborate and formal rules and regulations that govern the operation of the races. However, despite these bureaucratic niceties, Formula One racing remains one of the most popular forms of racing in the world today. Formula One racing is significant because of its appeal throughout the Western world. "
Abstract This paper discusses the documentary, "Race: The Power of an Illusion". It explains that people are sectioned by distinct groups of black, white, green, purple and orange which are endowed by our psyche. It explores the essence of the documentary and explains the idea of race as biology suggesting that a belief in race is no more sound than believing that the sun revolves around the earth. It contends that race is real and accounts for many subjects such as anthropology, sociology, American history and cultural studies.
From the Paper "The Power of an Illusion, people is sectioned by distinct groups of black, white, green, purple and orange, which is endowed by our psyche. In essence, the idea of race as biology suggesting that a belief in race is no more sound than believing that the sun revolves around the earth. However, race is still an issue. Basically, race is real and accounts for many subjects such as anthropology, sociology, American history, and cultural studies. Psychologist Beverly Daniel Tatum studies race relations and influences the political discussion with respect to race and class politics. She adds that race and the legacy of discrimination continue to affect our lives whether in our everyday interactions with others or in our life opportunities. Also, the norm proclaims that "white" is accepted and never questioned or burdened compared to "nonwhites." The nonwhites feel resentment, angered and frustrated that they are not ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of race relations during the Reconstruction period with reference to the book "A short History of Reconstruction" by Eric Foner. Reconstruction was the time immediately after the Civil war that showed the deep and sharp racial division that existed in the American society and the author is of the view that many of the race-related problems that still persist in the country have their roots in the Reconstruction period.
Abstract This paper opens with a clear definition of both IQ and intelligence. The writer of this paper contends that IQ does not measure racial characteristics or individual phenotypic characters such as height or weight. IQ results are a measurement of the rank order or relative standing of test scores in a given population. IQ tests measure only cultural content, values and assumptions taught through formal education. This paper discusses the myths about race and IQ which go back a long way, to a time before IQ tests. The writer cites various philosophers and social scientists who believed that the branches of humanity were distinguishable both temperamentally and intellectually. The writer of this paper attempts to legitimize the viewpoint that intelligence is culturally based, not genetically based and that IQ is a measure of very limited usefulness in very limited situations with a very narrowly defined cultural group. This paper also analyzes one's exposure to technology and educational content and its impact on IQ scores, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Table of Contents:
Defining IQ and Intelligence
What About Race?
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The myths about race and IQ go back a long way, to a time before IQ tests. Philosophers Hume, Kant and Hegel all believed that the various branches of humanity were distinguishable both temperamentally and intellectually. As difficult as it is to credit today, Kant and Hume associated "the dark pigmentation of persons of African origin with cognitive deficiencies, and Hegel wrote disparagingly of the natural temperament of Africans as explanatory of their cultures." They came by their prejudice 'honestly': Aristotle had argued that the dark pigmentation of the Africans of Egypt and Nubia in ancient times signaled cowardice. Thereafter, while philosophers no longer seemed to dabble in racial issues, social scientists did."
This paper presents the thesis that physical and social attributes, such as race and ethnicity, determine social interaction and involvement within society.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 8 sources, 2005, $ 62.95
Abstract The paper maintains that there is a tendency among white people living in Canada to downplay or ignore the relevance and importance of race or ethnicity, or even to be utterly unaware of it. However, people who belong to minorities in Canada contend that race and ethnicity have a powerful influence over social interaction and involvement within Canadian society. This paper shows that the people belonging to minorities are in fact correct: race and ethnicity do, to a large extent, determine social interaction and involvement within Canadian society.
Abstract The writer discusses how observing people at a local mall regarding race relations was an enlightening experience. The writer explains that this is because living in his/her own world, he/she is often oblivious to the issue of race in society. The writer says that he/she interacts with people based on their individual character, not on the color of their skin. Therefore the writer explains that he/she has not been aware of issues that exist beyond his/her own existence and beliefs about race.
Abstract This paper was written in response to the following topic "Evaluate issues of race and ethnicity in the US in the context of international norms". It looks at races of all kinds and talks of how they were and are still viewed by the international community.
From the Paper "The United States has been a destination for migrants for hundreds of years and in fact could be described as almost completely composed of migrants, with the exception of the indigenous nations that existed here before the European population arrived. People from every nation of the earth have called America home. With this diversity of population there has been ample opportunity for interethnic relations to develop and issues of race have played an important role in the United States. Although not to the same extent, other countries are becoming increasingly diversified and interethnic relations have become primary policy concerns all around the world. In an effort to understand the political system and culture of the United States better, it is necessary to examine the country's race relations in an international context. Considering the scope of this work it would be difficult, if not impossible, to examine every aspect of race relations."
Abstract This paper details of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War and how and why it was a show of power and superiority. The author looks many different aspects of the space race including, its purpose, how it was used to show the other country its weaknesses, how it enabled both countries to explore the uncharted vastness of space and find for it new military and how they attempted to use the moon as the ultimate propaganda tool.
From the Paper "Even though Sputnik had no direct military impact, it showed the progress of the USSR in science and military and prompted the US government to pay more attention to its own missile operation (McGhee 331). The media played a major role in spurring the government to take action. Sputnik was front-page news on all the papers and it had all of America wondering how something like that could happen without anyone knowing (Schefter 23). At first the US government was not impressed by the Soviet's accomplishments. President Eisenhower felt that the U.S. people had acted like children and that no response to Soviet actions was necessary (Burrows 200). He felt that the US needed to toughen up for a long war they may have in the future and did not see the US as being in any competition with the Soviets (Burrows 200). He even went so far as to congratulate the Soviets on their accomplishments (McGhee 330)."
This paper is an analysis of Cornell West's book, "Race Matters", providing an interesting critique of current black society and the way in which it is trying to become a part of dominant white society.
Abstract This analysis of Cornell West's book, 'Race Matters', examines the current situation of black society primarily in the United States. This book gives the reader an understanding of the damage that contemporary liberalism actually does to the black community and the inherent self destructive nature of black America. It states Cornell West's ideas of improving race relations which promise some possibility for success. Cornell West's argument centers around a censorship of the market forces which is like a herald for the utter loss of freedom and the enslavement of capitalism to politically correct liberal ideologies. This book encourages black people and their leaders to work among themselves to shrug off the spirit of depression and irresponsibility, so that a future policy of reconciliation and mutual respect may actually exist.
From the Paper "One would be hard put to disagree that the black culture in America currently seems to be largely one of nihilism, despair, and cultural unrest. Black women are more likely to give birth to out of wedlock children, and to try to subsist on public aid. Black people in general are far more likely to commit serious crimes and serve serious time. In fact, a majority of black men have served time in prison for one reason or another. Black neighborhoods are more likely to have high crime rates and be plagued by sweeping urban decay. Graffiti is more common; the houses are less likely to be kept up, the yards less likely to be groomed, and the entire appearance of the neighborhood is sure to be more dirty and unkempt. This lack of respect and concern for public and private property is one of the surest signs that this cultural depression does exist. In the same way that clinical depression and mental illness is often accompanied by laziness and lack of personal upkeep, so cultural depression surely results in a mass refusal to beautify and clean up the neighborhoods. Artistically as well, black culture is represented by lyrics and music that defies conventional morality, religion, and hope. Rap lyrics are far more likely than any other popular music to glorify violence against women and outsiders such as ?faggots,? and even more likely to promote black on black crime and gang warfare. Black "art" tends to promote not only rabid violence, but also drug use, irresponsible sexuality, a lack of family concern, and poor usage of the American language."
Abstract This paper looks at US President Abraham Lincoln's view on race. It contends that Lincoln was not a racist but his views on race relations were very conservative until late in the Civil War. The paper summarizes and assesses Lincoln's views on slavery and on equality in a post-war society.
From the Paper "This research paper summarizes and assessed the views of Abraham Lincoln as revealed by editor Zilversmit's cited collection of documents on race in America. It would be inaccurate to categorize Lincoln as a racist ..."
Abstract This essay discusses social geography - that is, the way in which geography intersects with social, economic, and demographic issues. Namely, the essay addresses the issue of "race and space". The writer looks at how race is distributed across a given urban landscape, and the implications. In light of this, two Canadian cities - Toronto and Vancouver - are examined in this article.
From the Paper "Social geography, as the name implies, refers to the intersecting of geography with social issues such as economic, ethnic, racial and religious distribution of people within a given space. Though there are issues related to social geography in literally every geographic area, they are, on a small scale, particularly easy to identify and interpret in certain North American centers; these cities tend to have very high levels of immigration, much of which involves the entry of people who are racial or ethnic minorities."
Abstract Critical race theorists such as Anthony Appiah, Michael Omi, and Howard Winant differ with post-colonial theorists such as Edward Said and Homi Bhabha with respect to how they understand racial formation in a post-colonial context. Subsequently, while critical race theory and post-colonial theory both challenge the Eurocentrism of classical and contemporary social theory, they offer different interpretations regarding the process and impact of racial formation. This paper examines the differences in these two theories' approach to understanding racial formation in a post-colonial context.
From the Paper "Historically, critical race theory can be considered a product of the development of African-American thought in the post-civil rights era, and challenges the traditional philosophical tenets of the liberal civil rights movement, which promoted a colorblind approach to achieving social justice. "
Abstract This paper reports on the inhumane practice of greyhound racing. It provides background information about the cruel conditions under which the dogs are raised and trained and then retired after they can no longer perform adequately. The paper also talks about what can be done to abolish the practice.
From the Paper "The use of animals of varying species has long been an accepted practice in all societies - from the oxen used to plow fields in India, to the use of horses in the American West, to the use of various livestock for food. However, the use of animals as entertainment, be it in bullfighting, bearbaiting, or dogfights is on the moral demise around the world, particularly in the United States. However, when it comes to the gambling-driven industries of horse and dog racing, there seems to be little stigma outside of animal - rights camps. This is wrong, particularly in the case of Greyhound racing - a form of entertainment that is so cruel to the animal that it must be abolished."
