Different Colors, but all the Same

               In the film “Race: the Power of an Illusion,” Pilar Ossorio argues that race is not biologically constructed by using expert advice from a variety of professionals such as biological anthropologists that created studies to discover any biological differences between races. The studies involve looking at the genetic makeup of various races to note down similarities and differences. Results showed that there are more biological similarities between different racial groups than there are between the same racial groups.

               There are no biological differences between races, but we always find something to distinguish us from other races. One of the main things that is seen to distinguish races is the physical features. Physical features include skin color, eye shape, hair texture, and so forth. It was mentioned in the film how you can travel from one corner of a continent to another and one would be able to see all skin colors possible. Some areas which one cross, sunlight is much stronger and the heat is higher. These areas is where one would see the darker skin tones. This has nothing to do with the races, but rather a way the body is protecting itself from the rays of the sun. Human skin pigmentation (or color) is the result of natural selection. The skin pigmentation regulates the amount of ultraviolet radiation that will penetrate the skin. Melanin production in the body is what creates the skin tone.

               I have grown to believe I am classified under the Hispanic race, which is a person of Spanish decent, and also is not classified as a race in the United States Census. I do have Spanish ancestors, but know nothing about them. Personally, I have never classified myself with a specific race. I have been told what race I am. When people ask what race I am part of, my usual response is I am of the human race, but if you would like to know where my family is from, we are from Mexico. In the film, it was mentioned that people always ask “what are you?” This is asked out of fear. I have caught myself asking others the same question, but I ask out of curiosity. I enjoy learning new things about other cultures.

               I do not think race is an important part of identity. I never observed any differences between myself and my peers. After watching this film, I know that there are no biological differences between my peers and I. I always questioned why it was necessary for humans to be classified into races. Races are an excuse for one group of people to be superior over the others. The evidences provided by Ossorio only proves that we are not different. Race is not biologically constructed, rather it is socially constructed. “Hispanics” are viewed as a minority in this country even though there are many people who are classified under this category. This category is so massive, that it should not be a minority group.

               The idea of race persist even though there is no scientific proof of humans being different because it is a way or thought of a way of categorizing people. As humans we like to see patterns on what makes us different. Finding these differences creates stereotypes. It is difficult to break these stereotypes, even though they are not true. The idea of race still persists because people want to be superior to others. Because as humans, we always want to be the best.