has resulted in more killing than any other except, perhaps, the idea of
religion. Yet just a little thought will lead you to the compelling conclusion
that there is no such thing as race in the real world.
Webster's has three definitions for the word “race.”
Let's take the first one. According to Webster's, “race” is “a family,
tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock.” Now I submit to
you that every one of those terms is vague and obscure in meaning. Just
what constitutes “a family,” “a tribe,” “people,” “nation,” and “the same
stock”?
OK? How about the second: “a class or kind of individuals with
common characteristics, interests, or habits.” To that one I would say
that everyone on the planet with noses, all Rotarians, all football fans,
all bird watchers, all junkies, all coffee drinkers, and all late-risers
would fit the bill. Yet I would hardly call each group a race.
And now the third: “a division of mankind possessing traits that are
transmissible by descent and sufficient to characterize it as a distinct
human type.” OK, how about someone with no sense of humor. Or someone with
a love of music. Or how about a hemophiliac? Does each belong to a specific
race?
“Well, what about skin color?” you say. Well, what about it? Can you
give me the precise range of skin color that differentiates one race from
another?
You see, Nature doesn't classify. Only people do.
Which means that “race” is a concept that exists only in people's heads.
There isn't a shred of reality to it. Nor is there a shred of reality to
any of the so-called racial characteristics that go with it.
Think about it. |
