first of all : totally agree with your idea of "race" being a social construction. Being a native German speaker I would even go further not even employing the "r" word in any reasonable discourse. having said this allow to share a heretic thought: As "race" also "gender" has been defined as a social construct - Now concerning the later concept "gender" is now widely considered a matter of personal choice or even calling- to be stuck in a wrong body- an idea most reasonable people would accept this as a legitimate claim to adjust the biological sex to another gender. THE same approach towards "race" though is considered highly problematic. The mere idea of a "white" or "black" person claiming to be of another skin colour would probably be looked down upon as racist. (including me I must admit) So there seems to be a dilema: ONE "biological" fact is considered a matter of choice where as the "biologicial fact" of skin colour is considered a given fact - which under no circumstances is up to a person´s own feeling or disposition. Sadly it seems that though "gender" is an identity we person concerned has a say in, "race" seems to be an identity which is not up for an individual choice. -

Great research and explanation Dr. Allen

Very informative! Great presentation!