Sociology

Series I

American Eugenic Movement was a process of racial purification and scientists believed that   parents’ genes produced behavioral traits. The movement was against the race mixing-superiors race mixing with inferior race- which could hinder civilization (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003). The movement termed African Americans as WIN Tribe who were characterized with racial traits. The purpose of the movement was to segregate the American mongrels and improve the temperamental qualities. In the process, scientists were interested in eliminating the negative traits and maintain positive traits through selective breeding. It was believed that  African American were uneducated and poor,  and  measures such sterilization law,  immigration restrictions, restrictions on marriage and other Nazi race polices were taken to remove undesirable traits and segregate them (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003).

Extinction thesis state that ‘Negro racial trait’ was innately infirmed and was related with immorality of character. Thus, extinction is within their blood and there was no need to cater for their health, education and more.  Hoffman derived the thesis from mortuary reports where he found that the rate of deaths in African population due to venereal diseases was high than in white population. The colored population is characterized by sexual immorality and anti-social condition (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003).  The root cause of immorality is not the adverse conditions they faced but it is the race traits and heredity.  According to Hoffman, African-American had no life-insurance and for this reason they were referred to as ‘mongrel’ (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003). African Americans were inherent inferiority and this innate characteristic hinders them to progress. In his work, Hoffman’s main point is that race trait of the Negroes cause excessive mortality and degeneration.

 Biological scientists are inherently flawed in that, in defining race, they use skin color as the measurement device. They focus on stereotypical and biological makers that lead to phenotypic traits.  Note that   they relate contemporary humans with genetic differences and this produces a high level of racial diversity (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003). A good example that shows flaws in American race scientist is that of 1936 Olympics. Negro athletes such as Jesse Owens are good runners and well known Negro champions. Despite Owen’s physical features such as color, he had the same ability as white runners.  The problem with scientists is that they understand racial difference through genetic and thus creates discrete categories which defines race as superior and inferior. Biologically, scientists believe that   individuals are different. Failure to conduct a systematic examination on races and its associated situation and places creates the idea that some racial groups are inherently flawed.  Biological scientist rests on invalid and unreliable generalization which creates criticism on biological characteristic (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003).

 

Series II

In creating scientific race, Jefferson and Agassiz state that all people are created equal. To understand equality, people must first understand the American nationality and the root cause of slavery. People should reflect back on Declaration of Independence that promoted social equality. However, science brought racial difference (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003). Agassi says that human beings were created by God but white supremacy creates racial division in that white and black have to create racial identity.  To understand race in popular culture, it is important to understand that there is hierarchy in humanity in the society. The point is that race is socially constructed and racial difference is fixed in nature (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003). Jefferson and Agassiz play an important in making it clear that human beings are a single species and live in a natural world full of natural diversity.  With their scientific studies, people can now understand the meaning of racial difference. They learn that social inequality is natural as they are rooted from society. 

 In the second episode, the most interesting detail is that there was race of racial different in America until the European conquest.  Prior to this period, America rested on the revolution ideas which were based on equality and justice (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003).  In other words, America was a democratic nation and Enlightenment thinkers in this period were against traditional values and focused on natural rights which provided all human beings with freedom. However, the European conquest developed the America slave system   where white supremacy controlled non-white. The important thing to note in this episode is that since then, the world is viewed through racial lens. Generally, racial idea increased during American colonies where religion and wealth were key elements in defining status. During this time, labor developed social classes where white people presented high class while black people presented low class (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003).

 

  The most relevant concept that can be related with this episode is that race is socially constructed. In the episode, we learn that during the era of revolution, America was a democratic nation where freedom and justice were valued. However, race was created in American society when Indians, Africans and European were enslaved (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003). Prejudice and racial distinction emerged during labor control and many African American were enslaved.  Thus, it is important to say that race was socially constructed by dominant group in that white created the color line as way o maintain the hegemonic control.

 

Series III

  When Ozawa petitioned for naturalization, the Supreme Court raised arguments that Japanese were non-citizens and for this reason, they were not allowed to become citizens nor be protected by the American law.  Even though Ozawa’s skin was white, the Supreme Court argued that his race (Caucasian) could not determine the naturalization but rather person’s belief was the matter.  The court also argues that Ozawa was not a Caucasian but he was a Mongolian and for this reason was not eligible for nationalization (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003). Later, Thind petitioned the Supreme Court for citizenship arguing than he was U.S resident for many years; he was educated and serviced the nation. Furthermore, anthropological evidence concluded that Thind was a Caucasian.  However, the Court argued that with respect to the Revised Statutes, he was not white but rather he was ‘common man’ (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003).

 

Redlining is a process where the federal government   increased home ownership through providing loans to Americans for housing.  All minorities lived together in white suburbs while white people lived in cities. This period developed the segregated communities and white communities (Herbes-Sommers, Smith & Strain, 2003). The federal government created a national appraisal system which was designed for the purpose of catering for minority families.  Mixed neighborhood was offered with redevelopment grants which helped them in education and living a better life. 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Herbes-Sommers Christine, Smith. M Llewellyn & Strain Heather Strain. (2003) Race: The Power of an

Illusion TV series.

 

RACE ­ THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION Episode One: The Difference Between Us

RACE ­ THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION Episode Two: The Story We Tell

RACE ­ THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION Episode Three: The House We Live In