Race is a social construct based on prejudices and the irrational assumption that certain groups of humans are superior to others based on their skin colour. The concept of race has always been a complicated one with no clear definitions.
The science of genetics, however, shows that people cannot be separated into physiologically distinct subcategories, implying, and meaning that race is a social construct rather than a biological one.
The following quotes reinforce the assertion that race is a human construct rather than a scientific one, as well as highlight the beauty of a society that is diverse in its characteristics and differences.
- "There is no such thing as race. None. There is just a human race — scientifically, anthropologically." - Toni Morrison, American Novelist
- “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” - Audre Lorde, American Writer and Civil Rights Activist
- “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” - Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Activist
- “Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together.” - Jacqueline Woodson, American Writer
- “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.” - Mahatma Gandhi, Civil Rights Activist
- “None of us is responsible for the complexion of his skin. This fact of nature offers no clue to the character or quality of the person underneath.” - Marian Anderson, American Contralto
- “When we’re talking about diversity, it’s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.” - Ava Duvernay, American Filmmaker
- “We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.” - Max de Pree, American Businessman and Writer
- “If we're gonna progress as a people we are going to realise that, as one of my favourite poets says, the other is a lie. There are no other people. Race is a social construct.” - Saul Williams, American Singer-Songwriter
- “Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without.” - William Sloane Coffin Jr., American Chaplain
- “A lot of different flowers make a bouquet.” - Muslim origin
- “We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity life would be very boring.” - Catherine Pulsifer, Author
- “Race is a social construct, not a scientific classification.” - Robert Schwartz, Author
- “Diversity is the magic. It is the first manifestation, the first beginning of the differentiation of a thing and of simple identity. The greater the diversity, the greater the perfection.” - Thomas Berry, Historian
- “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” - Stephen R. Covey, American Educator
We can undeniably do more when we are together in our diversity than when we are separated!
Cover photo source available here.
