Myth of Race essay

However, in one way or another, these races tend to have some similar traits. In any given setting, there is a particular code of conduct that distinguish it from another. Therefore, in this myth, it is assumed that the different characteristics in each race, including wit and brightness, gender, physical condition and physiology, capabilities in sporting activities, hostilities, capacity to lead as well as defiance, are in born, natural and biological (Fish, pp. These biological traits are therefore used to group races into three, Asian, Black, and White races existing with differences in either appearance or any of the traits mentioned above. Since these traits are inborn and naturally occur in the races, it is assumed that very little can be done to change the characteristics portrayed by each if the races.

He actually phrases it as “The biology of blood does not support biological race” (Fuentes, pp. We may be made to think, particularly due to our limited knowledge in relation to the subject, that there are three different races characterized with different characteristics. However, the people in Papua, New Guinea, do have traits that are similar to these of the blacks, but are in no way genetically similar to those of African descent. Secondly, despite not being biologically related, race playa a significant role in the society we live in. The reason behind this is that people are not only practically obsessed with races but also believe in and identify with races. To add, it is more likely that blacks are shot by police than whites. Statistics show that 22 more blacks are likely to be more shot than whites.

These are just some of the discriminations that affect the blacks. Therefore, the units of races actually play an important role in shaping our societies. He suggests that we accept our social orientation in terms of races while still clinging to the belief (myth or misconception) that it is a biological unit, even though it is not (Fuentes, pp. Ethnicity is commonly used to illustrate the social unity among the various ethnic groups, both by those who try to group different people and those in other ethnic groups. Therefore, it cannot claim to a biologically-based classification, but is purely a social institution that symbolizes unity. Moreover, ethnicity is not natural or innate grouping of the people into the various groups since it is an aspect that changes from time to time (Fuentes, pp.

e174). Rhetorical appeals are used in literature as an attempt to persuade the readers into accepting or believing the point they put across. These populations are distinct from those of domestic breeds of animals which are produced through artificially selecting the fit depending on the preferred human use, from one generation to another. Thus, there is no connection between the biology of humans, in terms of their characteristics and the cultural practices of a particular group in any given society. AAPA continues to explain that there are diversified groups of people living in every continent around the world with differences in languages, cultures and economical features. With race, there is no clear national, religious, language, or culture in any group or social status (economically) that can constitute to its existence. Thus, we cannot connect the link between the physical features of humans and their behavior as none leads to or causes, the other.

In my opinion, I would rather go with the scientifically proven conclusion. AAPA's conclusion is scientifically proven as it relies completely on scientific evidence to get to its conclusion unlike Psychologist Rushton whose conclusion is completely as a result of other racial stereotypes with no scientific basis. Since scientific evidence tends to less likely be subject to change as compared to a statement relying in circumstances, then it is a better choice. Therefore, I find Fuentes’ arguments effective since they have a scientific basis. His main objective for writing this piece is to clear the belief, that he terms “myth”, that is formed by the racist stereotypes and passed by Rushton.  6, 2017, pp.  e172-e174. Johnson, Allan G. From The Myth of Race by Agustin Fuentes and "Why Do We Make So Much of Gender?" by Allan G.

Johnson.