Question

In your own words, can you tell me What do you think are the most significant factors responsible for changes in the meaning of race today?

Answer 1

A race is generally defined as a group of people who are descendants of a common ancestry or are distinguished by certain particular features like their skin color, hair color, eye shape or color, and other physical features. The originally identified and distinguishable race include Mongoloids, Negroids, etc.

Today we have moved towards a global economy, a scenario where we are well aware and can easily attain information about almost any part of the world. Therefore in such a living world, there are significant factors for changes in the meaning of race. The same are listed below:

• Immigration and Migration: By the virtue of global economy and the awareness of better opportunities within a more developed nation and bettering the quality of life has lead to a major movement in people immigrating to foreign countries and migration of people within rural/urban sectors in search of a better prospect. There has never been so much movement of people in history than what it is today. Such changes has lead to increased tolerance towards various race, understanding the issues faced by different races and also with amalgamation within different work sectors, has created a better understanding between individuals and races.
• Money and Power: At the given moment more than one's race, having monetary benefits or being in a position of power will yield gains than being of a particular race. Racial discrimination was a yardstick and reason for failure to attain certain positions or opportunities, it is still prevalent, yet as the popularity and achievements of various people from different races and underprivileged societies is increasing, the world is now moving towards a more classist based discrimination.
• Education: There have been various tie-ups and travel based trips between countries, as well as introduction and teachings from various countries used within the non-originating countries, has led to increasing tolerance, knowledge as well understanding of various hardships, racial differences, lifestyles, etc about various racial communities. This not only leads to awareness but also various movements to protect the right of such communities. It has not only changed the way people related to a race but also understand how differences between each other can be used as inspirations and not discrimination.
• Marriage: The moment within countries and races has led to not only an amalgamation within various countries, but it has also lead to increase in inter-racial marriages. As people are becoming more aware of various cultures, race, identities and lifestyles, there is an increase in the number of options while choosing dating or marriage partners. As immigrants increase and migration is evident, educational, work sectors and other sectors will have a mix of people from various backgrounds. This leads to learning and accepting of certain cultures, races, etc more often than not. Therefore an increase in inter-racial marriages, offspring of mix breeds and second generations living through the legacy of an immigrant country has led to indefinite meaning towards the understanding of race. The world at present has very limited pure breeds or pure racial off-springs, and therefore the way we related to race as a concept is becoming more of a historical based or existence.