RACE:  The Power of an Illusion

We tend to believe that the world's people come divided into distinct groups--red, black, white or yellow--reflecting innate biological differences.  But what if we found out this wasn't true?  And, if race isn't biological, what is it?  Where did the idea come from?  And, how does race still matter today helping shape life chances and opportunities?

Join David Reynolds, professor of sociology to watch and discuss episode 1 and 3 of Race:  The Power of an Illusion.  Feel free to bring your lunch.  Refreshments will be provided.  Both of the following episodes and discussions will be shown in the RH Stephens Room, Menard Hall from noon to 1:30 pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 15 - The Difference Between Us--Everyone can tell a Norwegian from a Nubian, so why not divide people into biological races?  This episode demonstrates how recent scientific finding - including genetics - have toppled our common sense assumption that humans come bundled into distinct groups.

Friday, Oct. 17 - The House We Live In--If race doesn't live in our bodies, where does it live?  And why should it matter?  This episode reveals how our institutions give race its meaning and power by advantaging the "unmarked" race" - white people.

Sponsored by the Multicultural Awareness Center