In American Studies, one of the most interesting things has been the critical analysis of where we get our ideas on race. This made me think, because most of the time we don't ever wonder about what kinds of sources we listen to. Our parents influence us, our classes and teachers influence our views on race and even the structure of standardized tests change our ideas about what race is, how many there are, and what kinds of people fall into each. Not having had a conversation like this before, I was challenged to think of how I know what I think I know about race. I am most influenced by my parents, teachers and curriculum, and my church and missionaries. Many missionaries have taken the time to speak at church about what they do in other countries, and I have learned about many different people groups. Each group catagorizes themselves differently, and others have to be taught not to make generalities. But now, I am wondering about my sources. They are all some kind of caucasian person, who lived the most part of their life in America. From there on out, it is their experience in travels and interaction only. Not coming from a minority backround limits their perspective, and therefore mine as well. How can I know if my sources are accurate? Some of my ideas come from my own ponderings. Do they hold water? How can I test my ideas to see if they are right? Can there be a right and wrong idea when it comes to race, or only different?
I looked online for something about race, and there wasn't much, I assumed because of the controversy. Upon seeing the wikipedia article, I saw it had some good stuff, so HERE it is. However, this article is very scientific, and I am not sure if race can be defined completly by science. Does DNA hold the answers? What about culture? Is race only the outside appearance of a person? How many races are there?
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