A group of people who share common physical characteristics, such as skin color or facial features. People can also be grouped by their social or cultural identities and ancestral backgrounds. There are many racial groups, and people may identify with more than one. People who belong to different racial groups may have differing health outcomes, including differences in rates of certain diseases. Systemic racism contributes to these disparities by limiting access to health-promoting resources and opportunities.
The concept of race emerged in the 17th century as a folk ideology about human differences associated with the Europeans, Amerindians and Africans brought together by colonization and the transatlantic slave trade. It was a foundational element of the belief that white people are superior to nonwhite people, a view that has been the driving force behind slavery, discrimination and mass incarceration.
Today, scientists and scholars across fields have largely dismantled the idea that race is an innate biological phenomenon. Physicists and evolutionary biologists now understand that variations in physical traits are caused by a combination of environment, lifestyle and genetics. Moreover, geneticists have found that the way we currently divide people into races—based on Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus’s notion of shared essences among populations—does not correspond to any meaningful biological distinctions.
In addition to scientists, scholars in anthropology, history and other fields have examined the social impact of race and have determined that it is a social construct of relatively recent origin. As such, it should not be considered a scientific or anthropological classification, nor should it be used as a basis for Federal policies and programs.
Despite this, there are still many ideas about race that persist in American society, and the consequences of these ideas can be profound. Whether we think about them or not, these ideas and the laws and policies that result from them affect all Americans. We must address them, and we must continue to seek out ways to do so.
One of the most effective ways to combat systemic racism is to actively engage in discussions about it, and to support and participate in organizations that are working for change. This can be done by voting; learning; sharing stories with family, friends and coworkers; and organizing in our neighborhoods, towns, states and nation.
The goal of this work is to help make clear that while science tells us that racial categories do not reflect biological differences, they do matter and shape how we think about and act in our communities. The facts presented here can be a powerful tool for challenging the myths and stereotypes that are so harmful to everyone, but especially to people of color. In this way, we can work together to ensure that all people have the opportunity to thrive.