POS 357�Topics in Cultural Diversity Race-The Power of Illusion Prof. Weeks � PAGE �2�
Race - The Power of Illusion is a three part documentary about the origin of the term "race" and some individual views on how race is determined. The first episode; The Difference Between Us, explores the biological concepts of race and whether or not one's race or ancestry can be determined by their mDNA or mitochondrial make-up. Based on the studies by the test group of students at Cold Spring Harbor Labs, the search for DNA similarities or differences among those physically identified as being part of a particular race did not produce the expected results. The idea that race is determined by biological characteristics was thought to unfold the mystery behind some racial athletic abilities, disease and health trends, and other abilities. Unfortunately with the testing, the connection has not been able to be made.
United States
English: Signature of Stephen Jay Gould
English: Ely S. Parker, Native American civil engi...Geneticists have not been able to group "races" by their DNA, but rather proven just how mixed everyone actually is. Paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould mentions how people are most always defined by their outer appearance which in most times is misleading or only a partial explanation of their make-up. He gives the example of Roy Campanella and Tiger Woods who are viewed as black, however also carry an equal percentage of another race not easily visible. Along with the physical illusion of so called races and the journey to prove the biological traits there was the idea that the biological traits may also validate the stereotypes among groups and justify inferiority or superiority. One theory believed in behaviors being derived from simple Mendelian genes; a person takes on the traits of their mother and father by taking one gene from each parent. Under this theory eugenics was promoted, keeping...