THE STORY OF
RACE
It’s a simple truth. People are different. Throughout history, these differences
have been a source of community strength and personal identity. They have also
been the basis for discrimination and oppression. The idea of “race” has been
used historically to describe these differences and justify mistreatment of people
and even genocide.
RACE: Are We So Different?
, developed by the American Anthropological
Association in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota is the first
national exhibition to tell the stories of race from the biological, cultural and
historical points of view. Combining these perspectives offers an unprecedented
look at race and racism in the United States.
Look around. Even very small children notice that people look different.
These differences have offered us strength, community and identity. However,
these same differences have also been the historical basis for discrimination
and oppression.
Scientific understanding of human variation is beginning to challenge “racial”
differences, and even question the very concept of race. We invite you to explore
these ideas as you experience the
RACE
exhibit.
Important information to know
• No matter your color or background,
RACE
will give you an opportunity
to examine yourself and how you see others.
• The
RACE
exhibit examines the topic from scientific, historical and
cultural perspectives.
• Because it’s never too early to have conversations about race,
this exhibit is for the whole family. Since there is a lot of
reading, middle school and older students will enjoy it most.
To best include the youngest family members, please see the
questions to discuss at right.
This guide is meant to supplement your visit to the
RACE
exhibit and
continue the conversation on race in our community after you leave.
We hope these questions and conversation starters will help guide
your discussions.
Questions to discuss
• Where did you come from?
• Where did your parents or grandparents come from?
• Who do you know who looks different from you?
• Are they different or the same in ways other than how they look?
• How does this exhibit (or part of the exhibit) make you feel?
• What did you learn about yourself or your family in the exhibit?
• What can you do to share the ideas you’ve seen in this exhibit?
• Do you think your school (or team or other group) would be a better
place if it knew these ideas about race? Why or why not?
Keep the conversation going
• Relate the exhibition to experiences in your family life. For example,
“Do kids in your classroom tend to hang out only with kids who look
just like them, or do you all tend to play together? Why?”
• Answer children’s questions honestly. It’s OK to not know all of the
answers, or even to be uncertain about your own feelings or perceptions
about race.
• Be sensitive to your own and your children’s reactions. People, including
kids, experience this exhibit and racial attitudes in a variety of ways.
What can you learn from them?
RACE: Are We So Different?
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Photo courtesy of American Anthropological Association and Science Museum of Minnesota
