Hillary Neff

Anthro 1020
7/20/16
Research Paper

Concept of Race
Race is geographically patterned by physical variances in local populations. Groups of
humans have always identified themselves to differ from neighboring groups, but such
differences have not always been understood to be natural and absolute. These features are
distinctive features of how the concept of race is used today. The idea of race as we understand it
today came about during the exploration time period which brought Europeans into contact with
groups from different continents, and of classification among the populations of places around
the world.
There are two different ways to define race either biologically or socially. Biologically
race is defined as geographically patterned physical differences in local populations. Such as skin
color, body types, and facial features. These people are defined according to where they live and
how theyve adapted to their environment. Such as humans that have lived near the equator have
adjusted to the constant sunlight therefore their skin is darker than someone living farther from
the equator. This definition varies from the definition of the social aspect of race. With the social
aspect of race we see it defined as cultural, maybe some prejudices, and languages. But these
things that have been defined is what makes up the Classification system by Linnaeus.
Due to the centrality of evolutionary reasoning to properly understanding
biological concepts of race, it follows that all previous naturalists got their
understanding of race in any species wrong. Concepts of race have always at

some level contained mixtures of classification based on physical features as in

the Linnaean system, geographical location, and climate (Jr.).
Classification of race started as early as 1350 B.C. classified by skin color and geographical
location. In the 16th century some European countries embarked on an exploration in colonizing
both the new and Old Worlds; and the result of this contact was an increased awareness of human
diversity (Jurmain). Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries scientists focused on
describing and categorizing the differences in humans. In this time period, Carl Linnaeus created
the 4 categories of humans based on the skin color, social characteristics, and biological
determinism. Scientists focused on describing and categorizing the differences in humans. Race
evolved rapidly from there, there was a man by the name of Francis Galton (1822-1911) who
created Eugenics, which means race improvement, that the government should decide who
should reproduce. Then later, Johann Blumenbach created another category adding to the 4
categories of humans. When race took a turn for the worst in the early 1900s specifically World
War II when people were persecuted for their race, culture, and sexual orientation. After this
experience scientists starting turning away from racial typologies and classification in favor of a
more evolutionary approach (Jurmain).
The facts about race are that these physical features, cultures, languages and differences
in these people do exist. The beauty behind race is that you can identify people by just looking at
them. You dont even have to look at their genes because one manifestation of their genes is there
namely skin color or eye shape (Race). We as humans are the most similar of all species. When
we discuss color, body shape, and culture these things need to occur in order for certain people to
live in specific climates and cultures. For example, people who live in cold climates have a short
and stocky build because when they have a smaller amount of body mass it is easier to store that

energy to keep them warm. These are the truths behind race that these categories that have been
placed are things that are needed for these people to live.
The ethical concerns of race are definitely the prejudices created. Weve seen in every
instance that one race is supposedly better than another. The differences are there but the
question is: Is any one race better than another? The answer is no. For example: At the turn of
the 20th century, American society was riding a wave of confidence as an emerging industrial
power. And the face of its power and prosperity was white (James). And that is exactly the
ethical problems among race. If we could keep the categories and the differences among us all
without any judgement then I think the categorization would work and we could continue but
today we still see problems with race.
In conclusion, I believe that these categories created by Linnaeus will be around for a
long time until we can find a more accurate way to categorize race. We have to embrace our
culture, color, and the people around us. The differences between us all make us who we are and
make us a unique specie. The scientific controversy over race will fade as we enhance our
understanding of the genetic diversity of our species. Anthropologists and Biologists will
continue exploring the issue so that, to the best of our abilities, accurate information about
human variation is available to anyone who seeks informed explanation of complex phenomena
(Jurmain).

Bibliography
James, Michael. "Race." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2008).
Jr., Joseph Graves. Academia. 2 December 2009.
Jurmain, Kilgore, Trevathan. Human Origins. United States, 2013.
Race - The Power of an Illusion. Perf. California Newsreel. n.d.
http://newsreel.org/transcripts/race1.htm.

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