What Everyone Needs to Know About Race

 Imagine the Following Situation

During a lunch break, a group of coworkers was casually discussing a documentary one of them had seen about human genetics. Maria, a team supervisor, remarked, “I don’t really get why people are still talking about racism—race is just about skin color. It’s biological. We’re just different, that’s all.”

Jamal, an HR coordinator who had recently attended a DEI training, gently responded, “Actually, race isn’t biological and scientists have shown that it’s a social construct. We all share 99.9% of the same DNA. The idea of race was created to justify unequal treatment, not because of real genetic differences.”

Maria looked surprised and said, “Really? I always thought it was just based on science.” The conversation paused, leaving room for reflection.

Though the exchange was brief, it revealed how deeply ingrained misconceptions about race still are—and how important accurate information is for shifting perspectives and fostering equity.

A Guide to Greater Understanding

Race is one of the most misunderstood concepts in our society.

While many associate it with physical traits—like skin tone, eye shape, or hair texture—science tells a different story. Genetically, humans share 99.9% of the same DNA. That means race isn’t a biological truth; it’s a social construct with very real consequences.

In fact, in the documentary Race: The Power of an Illusion, the creators remind us:

“Just because race isn’t a biological reality doesn’t mean it isn’t real.”

From the classroom to the boardroom, our perceptions of race shape lives, limit opportunities, and reinforce inequities. If we want to create truly inclusive communities and workplaces, we need to understand the roots of race and how it's been used throughout history.

Here are 10 essential truths to keep in mind:

1️ Race is not biological—it's social.

There is no genetic basis for dividing people into distinct races. However, societies have used physical features to create categories that deeply impact access to opportunity.

2️ Slavery was racialized in the Americas.

While forced labor has existed for centuries, the transatlantic slave trade tied slavery to Blackness, embedding the idea that certain groups were inherently inferior.

3️ Equality wasn’t for everyone.

The U.S. was built on the ideal that “all men are created equal,” but that promise was not extended to enslaved Africans, Indigenous peoples, or other marginalized groups.

4️ White supremacy justified injustice.

From slavery and Indigenous displacement to exclusion laws and discriminatory policies, race was used to justify oppression, making inequality appear natural and deserved.

5️ Citizenship was racially restricted.

Until 1952, only those legally classified as “White” or “Black” could become naturalized citizens in the U.S. Because of that, many immigrants were denied basic rights like voting or property ownership.

6️ Racial categories shift with politics.

Irish, Italian, and Jewish people were once considered separate races. Over time, these groups were absorbed into the broader category of “White,” gaining social privilege in the process.

7️ Policies built racial inequality.

For example, government-backed housing policies after WWII allowed White families to own homes and, consequently, build wealth. Families of color were not afforded the same opportunity, and this legacy of inequality still affects us today.

8️ Race has meaning because of how we treat it.

Even if race isn’t real biologically, it has very real consequences when institutions act on it. Access to housing, healthcare, education, and employment often differs by racial identity.

9️ Colorblindness is not the solution.

Claiming to “not see color” may sound noble, but it erases the lived realities of people who experience racial inequities every day. Acknowledging differences is key to addressing injustice.

10 We can’t fix what we don’t face.

To build a fairer future, we must first recognize how race continues to shape outcomes in our workplaces and communities.

Final Thoughts

Talking about race can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary. These conversations require openness, courage, and a willingness to reflect.

Instead of asking “Is racism real?” we can begin asking:

✅ How did these disparities develop?

✅ What systems continue to uphold them?

✅ What role can I play in changing them?

This isn’t about assigning blame—it’s about building awareness and taking responsibility for change.

As leaders, colleagues, and neighbors, we each have the power to create more inclusive, equitable environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected.

Ready to Take Action?

At Mastering Cultural Differences, we believe education is the first step to transformation. Our program, Improving Race Relations in the Workplace, equips teams with the historical context, tools, and language needed to move from silence to solidarity.

Whether you’re just starting your DEI journey or deepening your commitment, this two-hour session is an invitation to grow together with courage, care, and curiosity.

👉Click here to schedule a conversation with us and take the next step toward a more inclusive future.