Oral

The American Anthropological Association’s statement on race begins: “In the United States both scholars and the general public have been conditioned to viewing human races as natural and separate divisions within the human species based on visible physical differences. With the vast expansion of scientific knowledge in this century, however, it has become clear that human populations are not unambiguous, clearly demarcated, biologically distinct groups.” This session is designed to share current discussions between anthropologists and geneticists with the broader public health community. It will explore: 1) the geographic variations in genetic characteristics and diseases; 2) the use of race as a variable in social science, medical and public health research; and, 3) the social, political, economic and cultural implications of the use of race and racialized practices in the United States. The session will review definitions of race, ethnicity, racism and three levels of racism (Institutional, Interpersonal, and Internalized). Also, the history and pseudo-scientific underpinnings of racial classifications will be discussed.