The term race is used to classify people with similar traits that are generally viewed as inherently distinct by society. It is the process of grouping people based on shared physical, national affiliations, and even social qualities into categories. Some believe that race is a myth. This may be true when viewed from a socially constructed perspective, because race is a represented identity that was created to establish a type of cultural meaning and order. Although race may partially be drawn up from physical similarities within groups, race is not an intrinsic physical or biological quality. With this social categorization, the use of the word race itself has become problematic because race identification can produce stereotypes and racism …show more content…
While race is not biologically constructed, race is a real identification for social categories. The main confusion is that some people may have used the word race and ethnicity interchangeably in verbal communication. Therefore, before going any further, some insight with regards to the topics of race and ethnicity is helpful because both are not the same, and they have different delivery of meanings in communication. In comparison to ethnicity, “race is based on shared physical characteristics [and] ethnicity is based on shared cultural characteristics” such as the language, religion, and any aspects of culture (Writing Explained).
What is white privilege? It is associated with segregation and discrimination of colored people. Unlike the more openly individual and institutional creations of racism, white privilege is neither something intentionally created nor done on purpose by white people. It is a transparent preference or “perks” for whiteness that occurs in our society. For example, complimentary shampoos and conditioners in a hotel are seldom made for African-American hair. White privilege “creates a sense of entitlement, generates perks and advantages for white people and elevates our status in the world"