Race is an artificial construct created not to unify a society but to divide it.

Race is an artificial construct created not to unify a society but to divide it. The word, "race" was used to pacify those who might protest their conditions and to comfort those who felt threatened as members of a minority trying to seize control of the majority. Definitions and delineations of "race" allowed a minority group to control or annihilate the masses and even today, categorizing based on race is used to create stereotypes that  marginalize and undermine various cultural groups in American society.

Throughout American history we've witnessed it. The Native Americans saw it first. They befriended the European newcomers but were rewarded with mass murder befitting a nation of "Redskins." Their new definition allowed them to be castigated, held as captives and servants and decimated. Their destiny ultimately hinged on their submissiveness, something they fought against. This country was once their home and their numbers were far greater than those who hoped to subdue them.

Then came the slaves, ripped from their motherlands, denied access to education, friendship, safety and family. 'Divide and conquer" was law of the land but not only were the Africans alienated from those who looked like them, they were also denied access to most everything that rendered them human. There was no way to "pass" in the early years of slavery and blackness was a badge worn by every slave. It was as though all the gods sat laughing even as the captives struggled to escape. 

Once the slaves were finally free, they were stamped with official names designating differences in race. The badge of blackness became useful when deciding who could become part of America's elite society and who would forever serve this entitled population. 

With the Native Americans it was different. Not better or worse but different in that they were viewed as savages and threats to the survival of the newly empowered American society. Because they were feared, they were held captive on reservations, and once their main source of food was mercilessly and systematically destroyed, most tribes relied on the goodness of strangers in charge for food and life itself.

Definitions of race in America have had devastating effects and tragic consequences. Race is an imaginary line of demarcation designed to keep everyone in a designation place The categories were loopholes for a privileged few and holding pens for those considered subservient and allowed to live if they were obedient, careful and respectful. One false move toward freedom meant sudden death. There was no way to escape the cycle of life interrupted due to lines of demarcation and restrictions by race.

Today, people of all races achieve greatness, but one must never forget about race because it factors into everything we know. Due to race relations in America, life can change in an instant. 
Race can affect level of safety, happiness and ability to survive. The soldier (above) reached age 21 but failed to survive.

My opinions are  my own, but for a different perspective, visit this website: http://www.pbs.org/race/002_SortingPeople/002_00-home.htm