A dictionary defines race as "a division of mankind possessing traits that are transmissible by descent and sufficient to characterize it as a distinct human type" but in practice, 'races' tend to be characterized more by their position of power or powerlessness in a society than by any innate traits. Biologically, no transmissible (genetic) traits are sufficient to characterize a person as belonging to one race or another. Scientists classified the population of the world into different races hundreds of years ago based on observed characteristics, but it is now generally agreed upon that race is a social construct -- a fiction which persists for complex reasons we will try to explore here.
Racism is commonly understood to be prejudicial discrimination based on race -- i.e. the notion that you can gain some information about someone's intelligence, values, personality, etc. by observing the color of their skin. It follows from this notion that certain races are inherently better than others. Many find that a more useful definition encompasses the issues of power and oppression that are involved in racial discrimination. Defining racism as "racial prejudice plus power" means that when one group of people uses the notion of racial distinctions to deny power to others, this group of people can be considered racist. According to this definition, when an individual behaves in a prejudicial manner that behavior is considered racist only if it accords that person's racial group power. The power gained by subjugating a large population based on some easily observed physical characteristics is one of the many reasons racism continues to be difficult to eradicate.
"The key to solving the social problems of our age is to abolish the white race." "This means no more and no less than abolishing the privileges of the white skin." http://www.postfun.com/racetraitor/
Considering the intersection between racism and race with American law, and the role of the law in promoting or alleviating racism. http://www.udayton.edu/~race/
Explore issues of race and diversity on college campuses. Access the results of a national poll, read and review books on diversity. See how institutions are handling these issues and share your own thoughts. http://www.pbs.org/adultlearning/als/race/
Explore the complexities of race relations and the changing racial make up of American society. Includes a discussion guide for communities and educators. http://www.pbs.org/skindeep/
Compilation of resources on race and human rights for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, to be held in South Africa in 2001. http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/race/
Nuclear Racism: The operation, siting or the attempt to site a nuclear facility within or near a community of color; to choose a community of color over communities that are primarily affluent and white. http://www.mtn.org/pic/cnrreport.html
Series of New York Times articles based on the premise that race relations are being defined less by political action than by daily experience. Includes archival articles and Web resources list. [Free regestration required.] http://www.nytimes.com/library/national/race/
A 3rd grade science fair experiment titled "Does Skin Color Make a Difference" that was removed by the school district. http://www.barbiesciencefair.info/
The sites general aim is to support and provide educational material to teach about issues relating to tolerance and intolerance, the Holocaust, Human Rights, diversity and multi-culturalism. http://www.teachers.nl
The story of a mixed race daughter and the white mother who gave her up for adoption. Discussion boards, audio of racial issues, and links to search for your family history. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/secret/
This site contains over two hundred facts on racial issues such as discrimination, income differences, affirmative action, education, slavery, media, politics and violence among other topics. http://www.justfacts.com/racial_issues.htm
A Henry Rutgers Undergraduate Honors Thesis examining Englewood, New Jersey's lawsuit seeking to desegregate its schools by merging with its unwilling neighbors. http://www.geocities.com/ebgold
A careful examination of racist stereotypes of African-Americans throughout history including research papers and photos of racist objects. http://www.ferris.edu/news/jimcrow/
Satire by Chelsea and Jonah Peretti describes a fictional white couple and their flubbed attempts to relate to blacks. Includes viewer letters. http://www.blackpeopleloveus.com/
Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting project to monitor and combat the media's marginalization, misrepresentation and exclusion of people of color in both the news and the newsroom. http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=7&issue_area_id=25
