Graves, Joseph L., Jr. The Race Myth: Why We Pretend Race Exists in America.GRAVES, Joseph L., Jr. The race myth: why we pretend race exists in America. Penguin penguin, originally the common name for the now extinct great auk of the N Atlantic and now used (since the 19th cent.) for the unrelated antarctic diving birds. , Plume. 286p. notes, index, c2004. 0-452-28658-1. $16.00. SA Graves, an evolutionary biologist, takes the question of race head on and shows that the social construct of race is only that: a social construct. His argument rests on biological grounds and DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. , which shows that there are often more differences among people of what we call a race than between people of different races, if one categorizes race based on physical characteristics then one might as well choose color of hair or length of toes rather than skin color or shape of eyes, as all four of these characteristics are shared by all races. Using research from the human genome The human genome is the genome of Homo sapiens, which is composed of 24 distinct pairs of chromosomes (22 autosomal + X + Y) with a total of approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs containing an estimated 20,000–25,000 genes. project, Graves carefully describes the scientific evidence that proves we all belong to one race in simple terms that anyone can understand. As the book progresses into areas that cannot be scientifically proven, but are instead sociological or cultural issues, his reasoning is less factually based. Nonetheless, this book is a fascinating look into not only why we believe races exist, but how that false belief has led to so many injustices, misunderstandings and prejudices. Looking at the world as populated pop·u·late tr.v. pop·u·lat·ed, pop·u·lat·ing, pop·u·lates 1. To supply with inhabitants, as by colonization; people. 2. by one race of humans will make the reader question many assumptions we have made about differences in medicine, athletics athletics or track and field also track-and-field games Variety of sport competitions held on a running track and on the adjacent field. It is the oldest form of organized sports, having been a part of the ancient Olympic Games from c. , education and culture. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL |
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