Race Matters

Conventionally, race is defined as "The idea of race assumes humans come divided into several distinct groups, each of which carry a set of innate traits. Those who are members of one race are more genetically similar to each other, and more different from members of another race." In the film "Race: The Power of an Allusion" several students participated in an activity that helped them find out their "race" or nationality. Doing this activity the students found that there are no genetic markers that define race and race is not based on biology but is an idea that we subscribe to biology. Looking at genetics, humans are not very different (Herbes-Sommers, 2003). Also in this film, we learn that in the past, scientists used their own opinions to form what were thought of as facts. On the outside, people of the same race look very similar but genetically, 85% of any difference is within a race or culture (Herbes-Sommers, 2003). The conventional definition of race is incorrect and not based on fact. The fact is that race is a human invention.

Race and racism has led to the oppression of black people as a whole. The preface of Race Matters states that "No other people have been taught systemically to hate themselves...for nearly four hundred years." The Jim Crow laws, slave trading, and slavery itself are all things that have been used to oppress and assault black humanity as a whole. In the film we watched we learned that people believed African Americans were actually born to die and that they were inferior to white people in all ways (Herbes-Sommers, 2003). Another negative effect of race is racial profiling, drug convictions and death row executions (West, 2001). Due to the preconceived notions formed over many years, black people have suffered hugely.

Watching the film and reading the preface I have learned many new things about race. I now believe that race does not exist and that it was created specifically but white people so they could feel superior to everyone else. I also believe that the idea of race can be reversed if people enlighten themselves and learn the facts.

Who Am I?

Growing up with two brothers has made me into the person I am today. At a young age I was always trying to follow in my older brothers footsteps or in the footsteps of the older girls in the neighborhood. While following in my brother's footsteps, I became a huge tomboy. In 2005, I joined my first basketball team and played for the Suns at Shepherd Nazarene Church. I instantly fell in love with the game and from that point on, basketball was my life. 

Also in 2005, was the birthday of my baby brother. Our connection was instant and we've been attached ever since. When he was little, I was the only that was able to understand what he was saying due to his speech impediment so this also caused us to be very close. In addition, my family calls me "The Baby Whisperer" because I was always able to understand him and I was also very good with all of my younger cousins. Taking care of my baby brother and cousins has caused me to be the sort of overbearing yet loving second mother to him that I am today. 

Today in society I believe that there a re many problems both visible to society and some that have remained hidden. One current issue that I have been following and that has really impacted me is all of the violence going on with African Americans and the law enforcement. I believe that this is a recurrent issue that will never stop unless we all come together as a whole and talk about it and find a solution. I hope that one day all of this violence will come to an end and I hope that I will be able to be apart of the solution. 

In the future, I see myself becoming very successful. After high school I plan to go to college, I am not sure exactly where I want to go yet but I know that I want to go. Currently, I would like to study to become an occupational therapist. Last year I did a lot of research on this job and I believe that it best suits me. Occupational Therapists help people which is truly all I want to do while helping to better our society as a whole. To conclude, a quote that I have always loved is "Be the change you wish to see in the world" which has caused me to become the strong minded leader and young woman that I am today.