How do sociologists define, explain, understand race - Essay Example

Running Head: RACE AS DEFINED BY SOCIOLOGISTS Race as Defined by Sociologists This paper focuses on the sociological definition of race. It tries to differentiate between the technical nature of race and ethnicity. It also exemplifies the practice of racism in the United States of America and how some policies adopted by the government encourage it. Through this paper, light is also thrown on the race, gender and national discrimination depicted in the movie "Bend it Like Beckham" Race as Defined by Sociologists Race and Ethnicity have been two of the most closely scrutinized themes in the field of sociology. The classic definition of the two terms has witnessed several changes, depending on the socio-political developments around the globe. The term "race" is defined as a group of people who have inherent biological differences, which are deemed socially significant by the general masses. There is a natural belief that these differences lead to superiority of a particular race. Through the course of history, some races have been the victim of social prejudice and inequality, though there is no genetic or biological basis for such discrimination. Sociologists Noel Cazenave and Darlene Alvarez Maddern define racism as "...a highly organized system of 'race'-based group privilege that operates at every level of society and is held together by a sophisticated ideology of color/'race' supremacy. Racist systems include, but cannot be reduced to, racial bigotry," (1999) The two terms race and ethnicity have been invariably used interchangably by laymen. Sociologists, though identify distinct variations in he usage of the two terms. Ethnic groups possess a common history, distinctive culture and perspective, which contribute to their individuality. These virtues like langugae, daily traditions, ancestry are not inherited biologically, but are rather learned culturally. Essentially, ethnicity is what the world teaches and inculcates in a human being, while race is the set of vritues he is born with. An ethnic group is marked by self-consciousness, in that its members see themselves as a people, and are seen as such by others (Cornell and Hartmann, 1998). The practice of racism manifests itself in various forms even in the present society, be it the discrimination against African American or even against foreign immigrants. The Ku Klux Klan, an organization propagating white supremacy in the United States of America, was probably the most extreme rendition of this racism. This group was involved in public lynching of many blacks. A research conducted by the University of Chicago demonstrated that there was widespread discrimination in the workplace against job applicants whose names were merely perceived as "sounding black". These applicants were 50% less likely than candidates perceived as having "white-sounding names" to receive callbacks for interviews (Mullainathan S, 2003) Besides African Americans, Asain Americans, Latin Americans and even Native Americans have been the victims of racial discrimination. The incidents of racism have increased dramatically since the 9/11 blasts. Even the policies framed by the US government have encouraged racism, in a rather obtuse manner. The Asian Americans are put under greater scrutiny and checks in their daily ife and have become the focus of ridicule and accusation. Their ethinicity often becomes the cause of their public humiliation and discrimination. The Americans, have generalised the blame to the whole of the Asian (more particularly the Muslim) community. This attitude often creates problems for these immigrants in their personal and professional life. In late October 2001, the State Department issued a classified cable imposing a twenty-day mandatory hold on all non-immigrant visa applications submitted by men aged eighteen to forty-five from twenty-six countries, most of them Arab or Muslim. All such applicants were to be subjected to special security clearances. There are many other, similar acts, which were passed post 9/11, and have made procuring visas next to impossible for residents of Middle Eastern Countries (Cainkar, 2004) The movie "Bend it Like Beckham" captures the essence of racism very precisely. The movie narrates the story of a young immigrant Indian girl living in the United Kingdom, who has intense passion for the sport of football. Her father also harboured similar passion for cricket in his young years. But he, like many other Punjabi Sikhs, found himself on the receiving end of racial discrimantion. In spite of his proficient balling skills, he was denied the membership of the cricket club, because of his color and race. The movie, directed by an Indian-origin director Gurinder Chadda, focusses on a combination of racial, national and gender related discrimination. Jasminder Bhamra, played by Parminder Nagra, rebels against her orthodox Sikh parents as she wants to play football professionally. Her demands are met with staunch criticism by her parents and their friends alike. Her mother is of the belief that an ideal Indian Sikh girl should learn homemaking skills, which would find her a good groom in the future. This is indicative of typical Indian mentality, whereby females are supposed to be confined withtin the domestic household. Her father, still blames the English for being racists and doesn't want her daughter to experience racism. To them , even the remote idea of their daughter enetring a male dominated realm, is repelling. Such is Jasminder's enthusiasm for football, that she starts playing for a local club secretly, without her parent's knowledege. It is here that she has her first encounter with sport related racism. Her skin color and nationality are often targeted by her opposition teams, which forces her to question her beliefs regarding her origins and nationality. The ongoing dilemna in her mind intensifies further when her sister's wedding and a crucial football match happen to coincide. Owing to social and family expectations, she resigns to her fate, until the last minute, when her father, overcome with emotion and love, allows her to go and attend the match. Though it was projected as a light and enjoyable movie, it conveys a deeper and symbolic message. It exemplifies the plight of immigrants who are differentiated against on the basis of their color and nationality. This coupled with the geneder aspect, becomes a key issue in the movie as the plot develops. Though one can't deny the fact that the gender discrimination is more in the Indian mind, than the British. The movie also concentrates on the dilemma the second generation immigrant Indians face in foreign countries. Besides the above mentioned points, the movies also attempts to reveal the many cultural differences in the British and Indian culture, the major of them being the attitude towards the issues of gender and womankind. Heirarchial and class discrimination also operates in the movie. Jasminder's parents are opposed to her playingf football, as they believe that it would decrease their social standing and reputation. This, again, demonstrates a characteristic Indian line of thought. Therefore, one can see that the Indian director has used her movie as a medium to potary the practice of racial , national and gender discrimination in a very arcane manner. References Cazenave, N.A & Maddern, D.A (1999). Welfare Racism Cainkar, L (2004) Post 9/11 US Policies affecting US Arabs and Muslims. Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East 24.1 (2004) 245-248 Mullainathan, S & Bertrand, M (2003) Are Emily and Greg More Employable Lakisha and Jamal A Field Experiment on Labor Market Discrimination. National Bureau Of Economic Research. 9873 Read More