An Introduction to Race

    Hello there, fellow reader! My name is Naomi, and I've recently begun reading the book Race by Marc Aronson. Through the progression of several blog posts located here on this site, I will be sharing my thoughts, opinions, and analyses relevant to this book. As far as I understand it, this book takes an in-depth look at the history and origin of race to provide some insight into how and when the term and the concept were introduced, and how those ideas have developed throughout history to produce our modern-day concept of race. Before I talk too much about this, though, I must admit that I'm not very knowledgeable on the subject of race. I've always found it a bit overwhelming to follow current social and political events, as there seems to be an infinite amount of information and an infinite number of places to find it. However, as the topic of race is becoming more and more prevalent in our society, I find myself wanting to learn more about it and better understand it, which I hope I can get started with by reading this book.

    In this initial post, since I don't have enough information about his arguments, I will look at the structure and style of Aronson's writing over the first sixty or so pages. Aronson makes literary choices that effectively set up the structure and ideas of the first several chapters, as well as his presence and credibility as an author. Appropriately for a book regarding something as complex as race, Aronson begins by establishing his main point and outlining and explaining a few key terms and ideas. These key terms and ideas become common points of reference and are often used to connect ideas throughout the first four or so chapters. For example, just before the first chapter begins, he provides a definition of the modern idea of race, as established by scholar Margot Minardi:

"'Race is a way of explaining human difference and organizing people into categories." (Aronson, 2)

    He also describes the four "pillars" upon which race is built, which are encompassed by Minardi's definition:  (1) physical differences between groups, (2) the permanent nature of these differences, (3) the genetic inheritance of these differences, and (4) the natural and permanent ranking of said groups (Aronson, 3). For a book that speaks to the origins of race more so than the meaning, I find it useful that a working definition of race is included upfront to provide context for the ideas expressed throughout the work. Aronson also clarifies his main idea, being the development of race, by comparing it to other general forms of prejudice. He explains the distinction between racism and prejudice: members of the same group have enslaved each other, and outsiders have been feared, captured, or killed, regardless of how they differed from one another. "Hatred of differences", as Aronson puts it, existed long before race ever did, and prejudice alone does not equal racism. He describes prejudice as a product of either internal, personal conflicts of the mind, ancient survival techniques, or the existence and perception of inferior and superior groups. By providing an anecdotal scenario for each of the three ways he suspects prejudice is formed, Aronson lays the foundation of the first chapter in which he references these scenarios to illustrate which concepts are coming into play and when. Understanding an author's perspective and main point is key to understanding their work as a whole, which is why I think it's so important that Aronson introduces this early on and makes the distinctions that he does between prejudice and race.

    Another effective choice that Aronson makes once the first chapter is underway is a stylistic one. The tone and attitude that he adopts are appropriate for the topic. He doesn't utilize humor or a light-hearted tone, but a thoughtful and considerate one, and he adopts a conversational writing style, which I find more engaging than a textbook-style work.  Also out of respect for the often controversial subject of race, while he presents concrete ideas, Aronson invites his readers not to agree with him, but to "think with" him (Aronson, 31). He doesn't push his ideas as facts or truth but offers ideas that he wants his audience to think carefully and critically about. I find this effective because I personally lose interest in an argument when it's forcefully presented, and I enjoy being challenged to think deeply. On a similar note, the author presents his ideas from numerous perspectives and starts not at the beginning of race, but before race, which I think makes his argument so far that much stronger and comprehensive.

    Thus far, Race by Marc Aronson is a compelling, intelligent, and thoughtfully written book. Though I'm yet to read the bulk of the ideas in this book, I have no doubt that they will be fascinating, thought-provoking, and provide a deep and thorough insight into the concept of race and how it came to be. I look forward to learning as I read and reflecting on it here, and I hope you'll join me next time. 

                                                                        Works Cited

Aronson, Marc. Race: A History beyond Black and White. New York, Ginee Seo Books/

    Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007.