Racial concerns are a major cause of contention around the world. Dr. Samuel Morton started a flawed and biased research study to determine the biological differences elicited in races in the 1800s (Parker, 2021). Science unequivocally refutes Dr. Morton’s findings as race is not biologically evident (Parker, 2021). Individuals’ genetic diversity is minimal, and race does not explain the existence of variations. In this way, race is a social construct, a classification system developed by human beings. Previous societies developed the idea that race explains physical differences evidenced in people from varying regions. Nonetheless, it remains clear that race was invented as an excuse for violence and oppression.
Individuals have posited flawed notions of race based on biological and genetic differences. For instance, black people are considered more likely to exhibit sickle cell anemia. In this case, the Food and Drugs Administration, FDA, has previously approved different drugs for varying races to treat illnesses such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes (Smith, 2020). However, this assertion of variable genetics is flawed based on a geographic perspective. Various conditions or diseases are evident in certain areas globally because of genetic impacts and evolutionary responses to the environment. Evolutionary adaptation due to malaria exposure can serve as an explanation for the sickle cell anemia (Libretexts, 2021). It is a common problem in individuals with ancestors living in regions with a high malaria prevalence. While the illness is skewed toward individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is evident in India, the Mediterranean region, and the Middle East as malaria poses a significant threat in these areas (Dhiman, 2019). However, these facts do not support the validity of negative racially-charged medical theories.
Therefore, one can argue that race is a social construct based on Dr. Morton and co-minded scientist flawed premises as they did not account for environmental factors. Colonial governments used the term to legitimize slavery and oppression. Race is an artificial concept that does not exist in nature, and using it in medical and health care in modern society puts into questions ethicality of such medical facilities and research.
References
Bournea, C. (2021). ‘Race’ is an invented concept, but an impactful one, researchers say. Ohio State News.
Dhiman S. (2019). Are malaria elimination efforts on right track? An analysis of gains achieved and challenges ahead. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 8(1), 1–19.
Libretexts. (2021). 5.21: Natural selection. Biology LibreTexts.
Parker, K. (2021). Moving toward ethical treatment of African American heritage. Spectrum, 10(1), 8, 1–21.
Smith, T. M. (2020). Race-based medicine is wrong. How should physicians oppose it? American Medical Association.