Loewen: Chapter 5

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How is Race an Ideology Rather Than a Biological Reality?

The newly released trailer for the movie Cloud Atlas (based on the 2004 book by David Mitchell), ends with the line: "Our lives are not our own, we are bound to others, past and present.  And by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future."  What is so striking about race in America is the criminal role scientists and scholars played in legitimizing social inequality.  American social studies teachers must unwind what that students know about race and provide context to the fact that slavery predated race.  The argument about who should have access to privilege, power, status, and wealth is not exclusive to the United States nor to modern times.  Consequently, a country committed to the ideals of liberty and equality (and therefore individualism and diversity), must emphasize values that are essential to participation in a democracy.

Middle school instructors, John and Ryan Prosser argue that, "A little controversy can be a good thing. While no teacher wants unnecessary drama, the controversy that arises from ethical debates provokes intellectually challenging discussions, presents novel ideas, and encourages students to develop and answer meaningful questions."  Teaching students that race is a modern idea and the ideas and definitions of race have changed over time is a way to cover issues of morality and ethics without teaching a specific set of beliefs.

I've mentioned before that Professor Loewen has also published a book called Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism.  One can visit the accompanying site and search the database for noted towns in each state, however, much of the evidence is anecdotal. 

Ten Things Everyone Should Know about Race*

1. Race is a modern idea.
2. Race has no genetic basis.
3. Human subspecies don’t exist.
4. Skin color really is only skin deep.
5. Most variation is within, not between, “races.”
6. Slavery predates race.
7. Race and freedom were born together.
8. Race justified social inequalities as natural.
9. Race isn’t biological, but racism is still real.
10. Colorblindness will not end racism.

*From the series: RACE—The Power of an Illusion  produced by California Newsreel in association with the Independent Television Service (ITVS).   ITVS was created by Congress to “increase the diversity of programs available to public television, and to serve under served audiences, in particular minorities and children.”