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Race

Definition

The concept of 'race' refers to the categorization of people into distinct groups based on physical and/or genetic characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features. It emerged during the period from 1450 to 1750 as a consequence of global interactions, particularly through European exploration, colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade.

Analogy

Think of 'race' as different flavors of ice cream in a scoop shop. Just like there are various flavors with different colors and tastes, 'race' categorizes people based on their physical attributes.

Related terms

Ethnicity: Ethnicity refers to a person's cultural background or heritage which includes shared customs, traditions, language, and history.

Miscegenation: Miscegenation is the mixing or interbreeding between different racial groups.

Racial hierarchy: Racial hierarchy is a system that ranks races hierarchically based on perceived superiority or inferiority.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.