Racialism Essays - Social Constructionism, Kinship And Descent

Racialism Appiah addresses the issues of racialism, intrinsic racism, and extrensic racism in his article entitled RACISMS. However, after analyzing Appiah's views on racism and its different forms, his views on the theoretical validity of racialism and extrinsic racism are seriously doubted. Appiah defines racialism as "the view that there are essentail characteristics that allow us to classify people into distinct races, each of which shares certain traits and tendencies". On this topic, Appiah thinks that this theory, or way of categorizing people is false. He thinks that it is merely an excuse for people to practice types of racism. Among the two most distinct types of racism are intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic racism consists of people who differentiate morally between members of different races because they "believe that each race has a different moral status, quite independent of the moral characteristics entailed by its racial essence." For the intrinsic racist there is no moral, intellectual, cultural, or perhaps even physical trait or act in relevancy to a member of another race that would merit equal treament. Extrinsic racists make moral distinctions between members of other races because they believe that the racial essence entails certain morally relevant qualities. The extrinsic racist's discrimintation stems from the belief that different races are different genetically, and these genetic differences constitute different treatment and expectations. Even with evidence that states otherwise, evidence that points that a person of another race is intelligent, or noble, there is nothing that can deter the extrinsic racist's perceptions about those of another race. But, the extrinsic racist may in fact have friends or loved ones in that race.It is this belief that leads Appiah to believe that these individuals have a "cognitive incapacity", or an inability to reason. Appiah comments early on that racialism is a false concept, or view. His grounds for his claim is that it serves as a presupposition to two types of racism, extrinsic and intrinsic. However, he is only keeping in consideration a few results and purposes of racialism. When Appiah looks at racialism, he sees that it is a science that allows us to classify people into distinct races based on character traits and tendencies. In his perspective, this serves no further purpose but to validate racism, and that it is a concept that is false in theory. The truth of the matter is there are certain obvious differences based on race. Most apparent is skin color, and other physical characteristics like hair, eyes, lips, etc. That fact alone weakens Appiah's argument racialism is false. This weakens Appiah's argument because when he says that racialism is false in theory, part of what he saying that either there are no traits that allow us to classify people into races. Certain physical characteristics are evident in races and allows us to classify by race. The second part of Appiah's argument regarding racialism is that racialism also classifies on character tendencies originating from race. It is generally agreed that race had no create character tendencies, morals, and actions. However, race can indirectly play a role in the development of many characteristics. Race is becoming less of a factor as more and more people engage in racial mixed relationships. But it is a factor. Certain races are more inclined to be a part of certain cultures, with their own respective value systems. For instance, being born Chinese does not automatically make you good at kung-fu, give you more of a natural ability to draw, or a more respectable person. However, due to the history of the chinese, and the culture behind it their are certain traits that a chinese individual would be more likely to take on. Chinese may be more likey to draw well because of calligraphy, in which every word is basically a little picture. this obviously would help to develop control over the pen. The culture of the chinese has a very heavy influence on respecting one's parents and the elderly, which would undoubtably make older individuals seem more honorable or wise. So in that case, race does indeed have an impact on character tendencies and behavior. It shows that race can have a connection to culture and upbringing, which does relate to the type of person that will develop. This is where Appiah's theory that racialism is a presupposition to to racism comes into play. These cultural characteristics can easily be mistaken for racial characteristics. Also, none of these traits are absolute, or definate. Culture does not have the power to dictate a person's morality, behavior, and abilities, but it can influence these things.

Free Essays on Siddhartha

In Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, Unity is a reflecting theme of this novel and in life. Unity is â€Å"the state of being one or a unit; harmony, agreement in feelings or ideas or aims, etc.† Unity is first introduced by means of the river and by the mystical word â€Å"Om.† Direct commentary from Siddhartha and the narrator also introduces the theme. Frequent allusions to the river correspond w/ Siddhartha’s infinite thoughts of Unity and his initial plans to strive for it. Siddhartha has a number of specific goals during the course of this novel, but in no way does this detract from the bare nature of his ultimate goal. The accomplishment of specific goals was an important part of the progression approaching his absolute state of Unity. Siddhartha see things united and somehow entangled in a seemingly endless and meaningless circular chain of events. Allusions frequently show Siddhartha’s conditions by means of clever imagery suggesting circular motion and an immobile state. Siddhartha is first compared to a potter’s wheel that slowly revolves and comes to a stop. From here, Siddhartha meets the elegant and beautiful, Kamala, gets caught â€Å"off track† and entangles himself in a â€Å"senseless cycle† of acquiring and squandering wealth. In the final chapters, Siddhartha proves that achieving or over-coming obstacles do lead to better Unity. Prior to making a leap forward in reaching his goal, Siddhartha finds himself in despair. He speaks to Vasudeva, the ferryman. The ferryman smiles and says very little, allowing the River to speak for him. Siddhartha listens as the River reveals its first true, complete message. â€Å"Om.† Siddhartha hears. His â€Å"wounds† heal, losing the attachment he had for his son. Siddhartha merges into Unity; he attains his ultimate goal. The River is essential in helping Siddhartha come to an important realization of Unity. He hears the river laugh at him, making him realize that he is ac... Free Essays on Siddhartha Free Essays on Siddhartha In Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, Unity is a reflecting theme of this novel and in life. Unity is â€Å"the state of being one or a unit; harmony, agreement in feelings or ideas or aims, etc.† Unity is first introduced by means of the river and by the mystical word â€Å"Om.† Direct commentary from Siddhartha and the narrator also introduces the theme. Frequent allusions to the river correspond w/ Siddhartha’s infinite thoughts of Unity and his initial plans to strive for it. Siddhartha has a number of specific goals during the course of this novel, but in no way does this detract from the bare nature of his ultimate goal. The accomplishment of specific goals was an important part of the progression approaching his absolute state of Unity. Siddhartha see things united and somehow entangled in a seemingly endless and meaningless circular chain of events. Allusions frequently show Siddhartha’s conditions by means of clever imagery suggesting circular motion and an immobile state. Siddhartha is first compared to a potter’s wheel that slowly revolves and comes to a stop. From here, Siddhartha meets the elegant and beautiful, Kamala, gets caught â€Å"off track† and entangles himself in a â€Å"senseless cycle† of acquiring and squandering wealth. In the final chapters, Siddhartha proves that achieving or over-coming obstacles do lead to better Unity. Prior to making a leap forward in reaching his goal, Siddhartha finds himself in despair. He speaks to Vasudeva, the ferryman. The ferryman smiles and says very little, allowing the River to speak for him. Siddhartha listens as the River reveals its first true, complete message. â€Å"Om.† Siddhartha hears. His â€Å"wounds† heal, losing the attachment he had for his son. Siddhartha merges into Unity; he attains his ultimate goal. The River is essential in helping Siddhartha come to an important realization of Unity. He hears the river laugh at him, making him realize that he is ac... Free Essays on Siddhartha AP Themes Siddhartha Response Paper In â€Å"By the River†, why did Siddhartha wish so much for oblivion and death? What does this suggest about his growth? The chapter â€Å"By the River† illustrates the overwhelming of Siddhartha by the worldly pleasures he had previously set out to explore. After the bitter realization that his life was engrossed in the endless cycle of Samsara, he yearns for the peace of death or any oblivion where he would not have to dwell on the â€Å"sins† which has contaminated his body and soul. As Siddhartha reflects on the errors which he has committed, he laments the convolution of his life’s goals. â€Å"Why should he go further, where, and for what purpose? There was no more purpose; there was nothing more than a deep, painful longing to shake off this whole confused dream†¦to make an end to this bitter, painful life† (88) Through his uncontrolled exploring of the life of materialism, Siddhartha has now lost all sense of purpose in life; or more to the point, true purpose. He had delved too deeply into the life of the â€Å"ordinary† and ceased to realize his true goal of enlightenment which rests outside of the cycle of Samsara. In addition to the loss of his goal, Siddhartha had also lost the qualities which made him distinct from those caught within the cycle of materialism, namely, the abilities to fast, think, and meditate. This represents a loss of identity, where Siddhartha, believing that he was in full control, gradually becomes caught within the lifestyle which he once so despised; eventually experiencing a character change into a person living for the pleasures of the world, instead of his previous goal which strived toward the metaphysical. This â€Å"humbling† of Siddhartha is an essential component of his growth toward enlightenment. Siddhartha’s growth is characterized by the experiences he has, not so much the physical experiences as the emotional. Whereas he has been so self-assur... Free Essays on Siddhartha Society’s youth today reflects much of what is said and portrayed in Siddhartha’s life. Siddhartha had to make many decisions in his life that affected him forever. Teens, such as myself, also make decisions involving the future, high school, friends, and other activities. Siddhartha’s main goal is finding a place and destiny in life. It seems awkward to say that teens are finding a ‘destiny’, but in reality, high school students are trying to find a place in which they fit in, in other words, a â€Å"clique.† There are many conflicting ideas and misunderstanding viewpoints between adults and teens. This is shown with Siddhartha as well. Siddhartha rebelled against his fathers’ wants by leaving his house. After being persistent of leaving his house, Siddhartha’s father reluctantly allowed him to move on; however, conflict did occur. Future is a huge question that is related to Siddhartha and youth today. It is something I face almost every day. Siddhartha was uncertain of his future and what path he wanted to take, either the samana way, to become an â€Å"enlightened one,† or the luxurious game life. I am debating whether to stay in the IB program, what college I would like to attend, and what leisure activities I choose to engage in. Reading the novel, Siddhartha has actually helped and encouraged me in many ways. It forced me to look at questions involving the future, adults, friends, and rebellion and owing this handy book will be useful even when I go off to college. Siddhartha, like many teens share similar problems when choosing their â€Å"path of life,† but in reality, everyone has lived through such situations, others just realizing it more.... Free Essays on Siddhartha Siddhartha Siddhartha written by Hermann Hesse is a colorful and rich novel about the search for self-knowledge. Siddhartha, the handsome son of a Brahmin, was on the journey â€Å"to find the way to himself,† and obtain nirvana. Siddhartha take many paths before he reaches enlightenment. In the beginning of the novel he separates from his family to go live in the woods with the Samanas. There he learned three noble and invincible arts: fasting, waiting, and thinking. Through these arts Siddhartha and Govinda, his best friend and follower, were able to meditate, and aquire self-knowledge. After living with the Samanas the two men traveled to see the Buddah, and learn from his teaching of how to â€Å"find salvation.† Govinda stayed with Gautma to become a follower and a monk. Siddartha did not gain much from Gautma’s teachings so he departed reflecting â€Å"deeply as he went on his way.† Siddhartha â€Å"realized that he was no longer a youth; he was now a man.† He was seeking Brahman, Atman, he wished to destroy himself in order to find in the unknown innermost, the nucleus of all things, Atman, Life, the Divine, the Absolute. Siddhartha learned something new on every step of his path. He came across a grove where he meet the beautiful Kamala. She told the Samana that, â€Å"he was not yet good enough. He must have cloths, fine cloths, and shoes, fine shoes, and plenty of money I in his purse and presents for Kamala.† To accommodate Kamala, Siddhartha went and received a job from one of the most respected merchants. While he was satisfying Kamala he learned the art of love, but he lost his self confidence because he was converting himself into a self-centered society. â€Å"His heart became full of misery, he felt he could no longer endure it.† At the same time Siddhartha had a dream that the Kamala’s songbird lay stiff on the floor of i ts cage. The bird is symbolic of Siddhartha, who had been caged by the requests of Kamala. In ...