2006-07-20 00:49:37 · 4 answers · asked by gi917 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
Mostly to justify imperialistic suppression in the past. Nowadays it is ethnicity in general.
There seems to be a deeply rooted need in (often sub-average) people to feel superior. In happier times this is dealt with by favouring a soccer team or similar...
2006-07-20 02:06:02 · answer #1 · answered by jorganos 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are specific physical characteristics in bone structure that are statistically significant enough to be separate races. For example, I believe Caucasian skeletons are slightly different in bone size and strength than Oriental bones. It has nothing to do with abilities, intelligence, etc., just build.
2006-07-20 08:17:20 · answer #2 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an ego-thing. We separate ourselves from the rest of humanity saying that we're of a different "race," or others are of a different "race" from us. It makes us seem better, different, more important, instead of just one of billions of our species.
It helps to justify war and oppression of members of our own species, as well as distinguishes ourselves from other animals on the planet since "race" seems to equal "culture" in many people's minds. And culture supposedly separates us from animals, making us better and more important than them.
It's just a conceit of the ignorant, close-minded, and ego-centric people to give a reason of their fear of the different.
If you want to be scientific about it, "race" would probably be considered a sub-species, or possibly even a breed - like dogs and cats.
2006-07-20 10:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by Cassie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. its do with the bones
2006-07-20 08:34:13 · answer #4 · answered by r_v_kale 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋