Theory of racelessness
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The theory of racelessness is a methodological and pedagogical framework for understanding race and racism which was developed by Sheena Michele Mason.[1] The theory proposes that as race does not exist biologically or as a social construct,[2] which makes humans raceless (racial skepticism)[3] and that the concept of race should be abolished (racial eliminativism).[3] A key concept in the theory is that racism is maintained by belief in the existence of race.[4]
Racial skepticism
[edit]The theory proposes that things which are attributed to race, such as susceptibility certain diseases or IQ disparities, can actually be accounted for by other factors such as ethnicity, culture and socioeconomic class.[5] While the theory proposes that race does not exist biologically or as a social construct, the concept of ethnicity is considered a valid means of describing an individual's physical characteristics, ancestry and DNA.[5]
Racial eliminativism
[edit]According to this theory, racism is maintained by the belief in the existence of race, and therefore, eradicating the concept of race will undo racism. Dr Mason stated that most Americans believe that race exists independent of racism, but that this view unintentionally perpetuates racism.[4] In order to avoid perpetuating the belief in race, Dr Mason has developed several alternative terms, such as "race(ism)", "race(ist)" and "race(ism)less".[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Alden Scholar Series". SUNY Oneonta Milne Library. October 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
- ^ Michele Mason, Sheena (May 25, 2023). "The Racelessness Translator". Discourse. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
- ^ a b Michele Mason, Sheena (2022). Theory of Racelessness: A Case for Antirace(ism). Springer Nature. p. 1.
- ^ a b c Michele Mason, Sheena (2022). Theory of Racelessness: A Case for Antirace(ism). Springer Nature. p. 4.
- ^ a b Michele Mason, Sheena (2022). Theory of Racelessness: A Case for Antirace(ism). Springer Nature. p. 2.