OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Can you tell a person’s race based on the sound of their voice?
The size of somebody's head?
Their blood type?
All of these are markers people once thought could identify race but cannot.
An exhibit at the Durham Museum, "RACE: Are We So Different?" walks people through the concept of race.
“It breaks down this concept of race from the scientific perspective and social construct perspective,” Abby Jung, Director of Education Services, Durham Museum said. “It’s been really interesting to see the student feedback and guest feedback from the exhibit where they just look at that word race differently, where that race doesn’t mean the same to them because they realize race is a construct that has gone on for many centuries.”
As groups work through "Race" the museum hopes it gets them thinking and talking.
“We're hoping they feel something,” Jessica Brummer, Director of Communications said. “Whatever emotion that may be. There is a lot of information to take in. You most definitely will learn something you didn't know or perhaps think about something in a way you hadn't thought about it before.”
"RACE" gives people the chance to think about our history, racism, and similarities.
“I think Omaha is still a growing community,” Jung said. “You can keep learning and help your community and you can help make change and keep the conversations going.”
“Being able to openly talk about those experiences in a safe environment,” Brummer said.
"RACE" is developed by the American Anthropological Association in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota; it is the first national exhibition to tell the stories of race from the biological, cultural and historical points of view.
“RACE: Are We So Different?” is on display at the Durham Museum through January 5.
