Race as Doing
An opportunity for focused reflection on key concepts related to centering antiracism in our work and learning is being offered on Friday July 24 at 11 am – 12:30 via ZOOM. This is the first in a series of three conversations during the summer. During this conversation, we will discuss the social construct of race as an act of doing rather than being. A brief definition for this term and a short video to watch before joining the conversation is provided below.
Race as Doing Video
Definition of Race
Race is a social construct not a biological category. The idea began to crystalize into its modern meaning in the early 17th Century in the Americas when people from around the world came to live together in large numbers for the first time. It was a way to justify a certain economic system and power structure. The concept created a hierarchy of human value based on skin color and physical features that still influences our thinking and behavior today, although science has made it clear there is no biological marker for race. Therefore, we create race every day, by doing race.
If you would like to participate, please contact Cindy (cindy.j.pickart@lawrence.edu) to receive the Zoom information. Look forward to continuing these important conversations.
Kimberly Barrett, Ph.D.
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
and Associate Dean of the Faculty
Lawrence University