Page 307 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

One video seemed to offer a wealth of scientific data to support the concept that race is

socially constructed, rather than genetic. Learning that race is a socially constructed concept and

not genetic established the premise that differences are cultural, more so than biological. For some

participants, finding out that DNA tests concluded that a genetic match is most likely found in

individuals of different, rather than similar ethnic groups, was a comforting revelation.

“In the video there were two students who were African American and they said they

thought they would have the most in common. And there were two who were Asian-

American and they said something similar and the Caucasian students said something

similar. But I think when it came down to it, they didn’t actually have that much in common

with the person of their same race, they had more in common with people of different

races.” (P05MW)

Another participant was less moved by the insight contained in the video and had a simpler,

less enthusiastic reply to the finding from the research on genetic linkages among and between

racial groups.

“I thought so what, what I am seeing I already know that racism still exists.” (P14FAA)

Overall, the series of videos viewed by participants and facilitators prior to the beginning

of the CC dialogue discussion provided evidence, support, and validation about the painful and

discriminatory impacts of systemic racism and its many manifestations. In many ways, the videos

affirmed the experiences of bias and racism encountered by African Americans and other

minorities which is often discounted by the White community. Many participants commented how

the videos confirmed some of the truths they suspected, but could not prove.

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