I'm with McGrath on this one.

'Race' is NOT a biological classification it is a political and social construction.

The notion of 'race' falsely assumes that humanity is divided into unchanging, natural types, that can be recognised by their physical features, which are transmitted 'through the blood'.

This false biological notion of race then allows for the ascribing of particular mental and moral characteristics to racial origin.

This, in turn, allows for the establishment of hierarchical classification systems based on apparent racial origins - i.e. the superiority of the 'white race'.

This has, of course, provided a useful justification for the exertion of imperial and colonial power and all that goes with that from slavery and apartheid to ethnic cleansing and genocide.

Viewed in this way it is possible to see that 'racism' is not the product of the concept of 'race', but the very reason for its existence.

To underline this point it is useful for people to realise that there is considerably more genetic variation within apparently black or white 'races', as between them.

If anyone would like a reading list on this that goes beyond a dictionary definition I would be happy to supply one.

Brian