How Race Becomes Biology - Essay Example

How Race Becomes BiologyClarence C. Gravlee’s article “How Race Becomes Biology: Embodiment of Social Inequality” sees race becoming biology especially when races exhibit difference in tolerance and susceptibility to certain maladies. It also argues that race becomes biology when some races appear to succumb more easily to certain biological health events compared to others. Thus, the question posed is whether these observed patterns are due to basic genetic variations in the said races that cause them to be more immune or susceptible, or if the vulnerability is a result of social inequalities in the origin and persistence of racial health disparities (Gravlee, 47-57).

After the tragedy of September 11 2001, individuals who were perceived to be of Arab origin, especially from their names, were subjected to a lot of harassment, violence and workplace and school discrimination. As a result, research indicates many Arab children were left scarred and isolated. Women on the other hand, for example those who were pregnant often experienced preterm birth and/ or low birth weight with generally unhealthy children (Lauderdale, 1). Americans often put their babies in their own cribs to instill in them a sense of independence.

This measure prevents them from being too dependent and in need of constant help and attention. Feeding babies in schedules is basically attempts to inculcate in them good and healthy feeding habits – a value they feel these children will need when they are of age. Letting the child cry it out is essentially practiced in order to teach the child about the realities of life and not to expect everything to go their way. Basically, these practices are aimed at inculcating cultural values such as independence, strength, discipline and perseverance which are important virtues in the modern day world (Meredith, 24).

Breastfeeding is both essential to the mother and the child. To the child, among other things it reduces constipation, reduces incidences of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, allergies, diarrhea, vomiting, reduces smell of stool and also reduces cases of sudden infant death syndrome and other ailments. To the mother, it reduces risks of postpartum hemorrhage, reduces chances of osteoporosis and cervical cancer, and also economically cushions her. Breastfeeding also enhances the bond between mother and child.

According to Katherine Dettwyler, the natural minimum and maximum ages of weaning in humans ranges between 5.5 and 6.0 years. This is when their first premolars occur. The major reason most American women do not breastfeed is because breasts are perceived purely as objects of sexual attention. There is also inadequate breastfeeding support in the community. Nipple or breast pains also undermine breastfeeding (Dettwyler, 2).Works CitedDettwyler, Katherine A. Evolutionary Medicine and Breastfeeding: Implications for Research and Pediatric Advice.

Bloomington, Ind.: Dept. of Anthropology, Indiana University, 1998: 2. Print.Gravlee, Clarence C. "How Race Becomes Biology: Embodiment Of Social Inequality." American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 139.1 (2009): 47-57. Print.Lauderdale, Diane S. Birth Outcomes for Arabic-Named Women in California before and After September 11. New York: Mosby Elsevier, 2006: 1. Print.Small, Meredith F. Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology And Culture Shape The Way We Parent. New York: Anchor Books, 1998: 24. Print.