SOC 525 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Franz Boas, Caucasian Race, Negroid
Document Summary
Until recently, it was believed three human races were created or evolved separately. Division of humankind based upon a set of identifiable traits that are transmitted generationally that is, through sexual reproduction . Demonstrated differences in human behaviour not primarily biological. We now know that humans are one race. We are the same at the cellular and genetic level. One race w multiple phenotypes (physical characteristics) Skin colour, eye colour, eye shape, etc. Race entered the english language in the 16th century indicating family, lineage and bread. An incorrect scientific understanding of the word soon emerged. A classification category, dividing humans by skin colour and location. The development of these categories paralleled and justified the development of the trans-atlantic slave trade. If race doesn"t exist, why is it so important to examine in media: people believe race exists, racism exists, media images often participate in structures of racism, media images can potentially help break down.