Race Dynamics in the United States

Abina George
Sep 4, 2018 · 3 min read

A social construct nonexistent in nature but woven through many aspects of our society. It ostracizes those who may seem physically different and creates tension between members of society. Culture, a way of life developed by people of a certain area, is often seen as a symptom of the disease.

So what really is race? The color of our skin, the shape of our features? We are all human and our differences are so minuscule and often characterized by much more complicated factors like socio-economic, environmental, as well as family and community support factors. We are so similar, yet we are driven to seek differences to feel superior to others. This in turn drives wedges between communities when the human race needs solidarity and union more than ever.

The concept of race is even volatile. In early American history, many groups that immigrated from Europe were considered a lesser race than descendants of the British born but over time America has become a spectrum of White and Black. Those with European heritage or even fairer skin are deemed preferable to those with darker skin. Even within an ethnic group, members with lighter skin are championed over those that are darker, leaving the latter with fewer social privileges.

Most of American history is told from the white gaze. Non-whites know of an American history much more painful, whose purpose was only the success of those with European ancestors. Native Americans were slaughtered and driven from their ancestral homelands. Mexicans were often pushed south as Europeans began claiming more land. Africans were kidnapped, sold and strewn like game on slave ships. It would be a vast understatement to say that America has always treated all people well. Upon inception, America saturated its history with tales of abuse and misdeeds towards humankind. Many present-day citizens can recite the horrors experienced by their ancestors and relatives from systematic racism, slavery, internment, denial of service, and segregation.

I am African American and my great grandparents were slaves. My ancestors were chosen for a miserable life of captivity. Enslaving those perceived as different was seen as acceptable. The wealthy contributed the differences in culture to the inferiority of those with African descent. Biased studies over the centuries have used highly flawed research to convince the white majority that captivity and a lack of freedom was the best for those who were “intellectually inferior”. The truth was cultural differences were misconstrued as evidence that the Black man was inferior and must be managed for the explicit purpose of White greed.

Talking about race to the majority is fraught with difficulties. I communicated with a friend that security guards would often follow me around stores and people often approached me with microaggressions, but until she was able to see with her own eyes she dismissed my experiences as an overreaction to the situation. People assume I am the product of an unwed mother and that the identity of my father is a vast mystery. Or because I am a college graduate, I must be the first in my family. The stereotypes from media and ill-informed politicians further the abuse thrown at those with brown skin.

Life as a racial minority can be difficult but society’s continued acceptance of greed and power over basic humanity and acceptance must be destroyed. The majority must listen and stomach opinions and ideas that may make some uncomfortable by habit but are the realities of so many. People must listen and understand that the way they have moved through life may not be the same as others. Judgment is often placed on minorities due to means beyond our control. No one decides how or when they are born. Race, nationality, sex, and features are determined by circumstances beyond ourselves and must be embraced by others. In short, hear our voices and embrace our differences.

Abina George

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