navwin » Discussion » Philosophy 101 » Race and Ethnicity...but are they real?
Philosophy 101
Post A Reply Post New Topic Race and Ethnicity...but are they real? Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
UniqueFreak
Member
since 2004-01-09
Posts 62
Scotland

0 posted 2004-08-12 09:05 AM


what ya think guys??

This quote got me started thinking about the realness of race and ethnicity -

"Race and Ethnicity are social constructs, but are they real in thier socialogical effects?"

I have this 'thing' with race and decrimination between races. It drives me crazy. Being white, i have been told many many times that its 'best for all' if i marry a white man. Quite frankly, i dont want to, but thats another story.

But i was thinkin why the heck would it be 'best for all'??, who is 'all'? and why would it be best.  sure i have seen 'imitation of life' - a movie that was 'recomended' to me by one of my friends who also recommends not to get involved in a mixed relationship. Apparently society wouldnt approve and in the end everyone would get hurt. But why?? because of a simple difference in skin colour? I admit that the difference in culture is one to be thought about but physically, theres not that much of a difference.

And what differs race from ethnicity? Arent they both just words that reinforce the differences between man kind, giving 'society' some kind of excuse to make boundaries like these. what are the sociological effects? surely a mixed race relationship is a stepp forward in uniting all cultures and races in some way. Im not saying that it will (at the risk of sound incredibley cheesy) make us 'one' as then the world would be pretty boring, but it just seems like everytime we try and step forward, we have these 'rules' embedded in our society that stops us.

As u can probably see, my opinion isnt making that much sense lol...but thats why i came on here..i have so many ideas whizzing around that im finding it hard to have one structured opinion on this.

Again..

"Race and Ethnicity are social constructs, but are they real in thier socialogical effects?"

hmmmm interested in hearing your thoughts..

Steph

© Copyright 2004 Stephanie Hill - All Rights Reserved
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

1 posted 2004-08-12 12:29 PM


Hi Steph, I believe Race is a matter of seeing or not seeing color,,,,and the older I become, the less I care about making everyone else happy, instead of myself.  To be honest, if people saw only in black and white, like dogs, race wouldn't be an issue, would it?

Smiles and hugs and thank you for the ponder


hush
Senior Member
since 2001-05-27
Posts 1653
Ohio, USA
2 posted 2004-08-12 11:24 PM


I'm pretty sure race has more to do with color (white, black, oriental, etc.) and ethnicity has to do with the specific country a person is from... I could be wrong. But it seems to me that people being connected to their ethnicity, holding onto culture and traditions, isn't such a bad thing.

I don't think you'll really get much debate on this here (but I could be wrong)... I think most of us have a pretty open mind and don't see mixed relationships as a big deal... I certainly don't. As for your parents... they aren't you. Marry who you love.

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Discussion » Philosophy 101 » Race and Ethnicity...but are they real?

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary