The terminology or race and ethnicity - Historum

**Sargon of Akkad** · November 16th, 2012, 05:12 AM

As a certain unnamed poster keeps repeatedly going on about the falsehood of the term 'race', I'd like to discuss the issue and hopefully come to a sensible conclusion.

This person seems to have confused the word 'race' with the word 'species'.

When someone uses the word 'race', they are really referring to 'ethnicity', not 'species'.

I hope this clears up this confusion, but if not, I'm sure we can all agree on a term that should be clear to all, and hopefully any posters who are hopelessly lost by this terminology can keep up with the discussions.

So, 'race', 'species' or 'ethnicity' then, folks?

**Naomasa298** · November 16th, 2012, 05:27 AM

"Breed".

sylla1 · November 16th, 2012, 05:35 AM

Must confess I might well become a fan of this mysterious unknown character.

Anyway, aside of any poll inviting to share potential misconceptions on such a sensible issue, have you actually tried an elementary English dictionary?

Let say like Merriam-Webster [sic].

Quote:

Definition of RACE

1
: a breeding stock of animals
2
a : a family, tribe, people, or nation belonging to the same stock
b : a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics
3
a : an actually or potentially interbreeding group within a species; also : a taxonomic category (as a subspecies) representing such a group
b : breed
c : a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits
4
obsolete : inherited temperament or disposition
5
: distinctive flavor, taste, or strength

Not to ignore the other definition, of course

Quote:

1
chiefly Scottish : the act of running
2
a : a strong or rapid current of water flowing through a narrow channel
b : a watercourse used industrially
c : the current flowing in such a course
3
a : a set course or duration of time
b : the course of life
4
a : a contest of speed
b plural : a meeting in which several races (as for horses) are run
c : a contest or rivalry involving progress toward a goal <pennant race>
5
: a track or channel in which something rolls or slides; specifically : a groove (as for the balls) in a bearing — see roller bearing illustration

Your choice.

Now, the definition of ethnicity happens to be a bit more complex...
(definitely not "breed", as rightly pointed out above)
...so you should probably explain here what exactly may you understand by this often abused term before any additional explanation may be tried here.

You're welcome.

Please be aware that it seems quite likely that the next time we will be debating this fascinating issue we might well be in the Chamber.

**Sargon of Akkad** · November 16th, 2012, 05:37 AM

Actually, your definition of race seems to be just fine:

Quote:

a category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits

So we can in fact say 'race' and know we are being factually accurate. Thanks, sylla!

sylla1 · November 16th, 2012, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sargon of Akkad

Actually, your definition of race seems to be just fine:

So we can in fact say 'race' and know we are being factually accurate. Thanks, sylla!

No need to thank me: always a pleasure to make some light in the darkness.

Not, if what you pretend to mean is that the term "ethnicity" may imply any physical traits, I'm afraid you couldn't be any farther from "accuracy".

You're welcome again.

**Sargon of Akkad** · November 16th, 2012, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylla1

No need to thank me: always a pleasure to make some light in the darkness.

Not, if what you pretend to mean is that the term "ethnicity" may imply any physical traits, I'm afraid you couldn't be any farther from "accuracy".

You're welcome again.

Not at all, you've shown that 'race' is a perfectly valid term for discussion. And I'm always welcome, which is presumably why you can't ignore me.

sylla1 · November 16th, 2012, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sargon of Akkad

Not at all, you've shown that 'race' is a perfectly valid term for discussion. And I'm always welcome, which is presumably why you can't ignore me.

Not to rain in anyone's parade, but it is actually the sensible topic which seems hard to ignore.

God only knows why.

You wouldn't believe the amount of utterly unintelligent ignorant offensive nonsense one can read on this topic,

So if it is just my humble attention what you are so desperately looking for, congratulations; you have made your day.

**Sargon of Akkad** · November 16th, 2012, 05:58 AM

Validation of the word 'race' was all I was looking for, from the horse's mouth, no less.

Next time you waffle on about there being no such thing as 'races', I can simply quote you to prove there is.

sylla1 · November 16th, 2012, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sargon of Akkad

Validation of the word 'race' was all I was looking for, from the horse's mouth, no less.

Next time you waffle on about there being no such thing as 'races', I can simply quote you to prove there is.

Again, didn't you think about searching in any elementary English dictionary first?

A most obscure text & a most desperate measure, I know; but it may be worth the try.

For the record, this academic debate may be a little too high for the Philosophy Forum: maybe the Lounge?

**Sargon of Akkad** · November 16th, 2012, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylla1

Again, didn't you think about searching in any elementary English dictionary first?

A more pertinent question: why do you keep attempting to deny the word race when you know perfectly well that it's a valid word to use?