Reference no: EM133826848

Assignment: Race Power of Illusion

Race is considered a "social construction" by anthropologists and sociologists. This means that the symbols, values and attitudes that we associate with race are a reflection of the broader dynamics of society. Race, from a sociological perspective, is more about how people are treated in a society based on observable characteristics such as skin tone, hair texture etc. Race has nothing to do with who we are inherently as human beings. It is more about how others "see and treat" people in society and the social realities that become associated with "race."

Race has important historical, political and socio-economic implications for this country. Race is a construct that has become woven into institutions of society such as housing, education, health care, politics etc. This form of racism is known as "institutional racism."

For the purposes of this topic, complete the following:

Go to the links to the PBS documentary, Race: The Power of an Illusion. There are two segments available to watch online:

1) Race: The Power of Illusion Introduction
2) How the Racial Wealth Gap Was Created

Respond to the following questions:

1) What do sociologists mean when they say that race is "socially constructed?" Get the instant assignment help.

2) How did the information, presented in the videos, increase your understanding of race from a sociological perspective?

3) Provide an example from the video to support how race has become "institutionalized."