Day 2 race is a social construction
Day 2 Race is a Social Construction
Hello,

For today's Challenge, we'll be centering our focus on race as a social construction. Despite the overarching narrative that race is biological, scientists have proven that there is as much if not more genetic variance within any given racial group as there is between people of different races. Humans are more genetically homogenous than most species on earth.  

So how did we get here? The creation of race is rooted in socio-political functions, and we have built systems to enforce these manufactured differences. Today's Challenge activities take a closer look. 
Watch this short video from Race the Power of an Illusion, a collaboration between California Newsreel and Regents of the University of California, discussing how there's as much or more diversity and genetic difference within any racial group as there is between people of different racial groups. 
Read this short article from the Center for Health Progress discussing how race-based medicine does not properly account for the genetic variances of individuals, much of which correlate more heavily with geography and epigenetics. 
Browse this short write-up from the Society Pages, highlighting how racial categories have changed in response to politics, economics, conflict, and more. 
Watch this short video from the BBC, made in partnership with the Open University, highlighting how the social construction of race came to be and the ramifications it has had on individuals today, including health outcomes, shared experiences, and more. 
There are so many ways to engage in this year's 21-Day Challenge, featuring new and improved tools to help you reflect, discuss, and make connections through the Challenge. Check them out, and don't forget to use #YWCAEquityChallenge!
Whether it's your roller derby league or coworkers, there's power in group learning. Participate as a group or business and get tools to help you learn. You can also get your logo on the 21-Day Challenge page if you sign up as a group before June 16th.
YWCA Utah is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Since 1906 YWCA Utah has been a voice for women, a force for change, and a place for hope as the largest family violence service provider and home of several programs to empower women and eliminate racism. Our enduring belief is that better lives for women—all women—will lead to stronger families and communities.