Race vs. Culture

Unknown to many, there is a very distinct line between culture and race. It is a common misuse in today's society to use the words "race" and "culture" interchangeably and without knowledge of their actual meaning. Race is the division of humans into different groups based purely on their physical characteristics, such as skin color, eye shape, build, hair color, etc. The three most common categories of race are Caucasian, Mongoloid, and Negro. It is very difficult to talk about race without talking about culture. Through my studies in my intercultural communications class, we have defined culture as being a learned pattern of perception, values, and behaviors shared by a group of people, passed on generationally. Quite often, when people are referring to a cultural stereotype, they use the word "race" instead of "culture". There are many studies that have been done that suggest there are no biological differences unique to all humans of a specific race. Therefore, when someone says, "White men can't dance", he/she is talking about a race (Caucasians), but is incorrect in his/her assumption of this race having any biological disadvantages to any other race. We need to realize that the way "race" is perceived today is offensive and ignorant. The next time you observe a stereotype that is not biologically related, remember that it is a culturally unique behavior that has nothing to do with race.