Our class discussions about the differences between race and ethnicity are interesting. To me, race is depicted as almost a negative quality, even cold while, ethnicity is illustrated as more positive, warm, and pleasant. During class, I asked if there are ways in which we can view race in a more positive light. I keep trying to think about an answer to my question. I am still not sure that I know an answer to my question. But I tried to think about the conception of race as a biological entity. I was wondering if we can view race positively as a means to biological diversity. Beyond the cultural aspects, there is an element of actual biological differences—most particularly the physical features of an individual. Can we view attractiveness in a way that is reflected as purely biological (racial), rather than as ethnic beauty? I think that this is somewhat feasible. In our society, there is such an awareness of beauty (as can be illustrated by the many posts that discussed beauty). And beauty is merely a interpretation of biological features. It may be a stretch, but I think it kind of works…
Do you all have any other ways to try to depict race as more positive? Or any feedback?
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I definitely think you are on to something. I think advertisers and clothing companies today try very hard to portray girls of every color (perhaps in an attempt to have their product appeal to everyone) but I think there is a going trend moving away from the one beauty ideal of tall blonde and skinny. And while "ethnic" is seen as beautiful and exotic, I do not think most Americans would call Beyonce or Tyra Banks "ethnic," they would just call them black. I think in this instance, race is portrayed positively. I think race is also portrayed positively in some inspirational movies, although I am not good enough at analyzing society to understand if that statement of mine is really true so Im going to avoid naming any examples.
ReplyDeleteIts funny because scientists have proved that beauty comes down to symmetry and facial proportions. Its as ridiculous as skin colors. We exaggerate and place so much worth on such little details. Its also weird how we are biologically programmed to do so.
Hmm...interesting thoughts! I think the question lies within the accuracy of defining race as biological. To most people, that's what race means: people's skin colors and other physical features are mentioned in a racial account of someone, whereas with ethnicity it's more of a cultural and national thing. But here's the thing: what does it mean to say "biological diversity"? After all, aren't people almost 100% identical genetically? And don't we all stem from the African gene pool?
ReplyDeleteI suppose my point is that we can celebrate differences--different colors of hair, skin, styles, etc. without categorizing the group of people who possess those characteristics. Is it good to group people like that? And what about people of that "race" who don't exactly fit in because of mutation? I know humans like to categorize, but maybe we need to thing of things on a more global and all-inclusive level instead of making little bubbles to fill with these labels.