Kathairo Solutions

Several years ago I was conversing with a friend about issues pertaining to race and culture. As we were getting deep into our discussion he asked me a question that I had never seriously thought through before, “You know that race is a social construct, right?” It took me aback to the point where the conversation ended abruptly because I was so bewildered by the question. My entire life I have seen people described by their race and have always saw myself as Black. Over several years I have taken time to study and think more deeply about the concept of race more extensively. To that end, while I proudly call myself a Black man, I have come to the following definitions:

• Race: The classifying of people based on their outward physical characteristics (e.g. skin color).
• Ethnicity: The geographical and cultural markers such as language, religion, and customs which people identify with.

Three specific works that have formed my thinking this way are:

• Who’s Black and Why? by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Andrew S. Curran
• The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
• Caste by Isabel Wilkerson

Each of these works has shed light on the concept of race being relatively new in historical documentation. As I understand it, the concept of race became solidified out of and concurrently with the transatlantic slave trade; specifically the classification of Black and White people. Interestingly, I have encountered many people that have emigrated to the United States and are confused by race as they have never identified in that way. Yet, it is normal to identify with one’s nationality, tribe, or religion.

Reflection

• Read our thoughts on defining Diversity here
• Do you see race and ethnicity as the same or different. Why?
• Please share ideas for further discussion along with where you agree or disagree.
• What other books would be helpful in this discussion?
• How do you define culture?