RACE:
Are We So Different?

September 27, 2008 
through January 4, 2009

Location: Kahn Hall
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. Today, contemporary scientific understanding of human variation is beginning to challenge "racial" differences, and even question the very concept of race.

RACE: Are We So Different? was 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. Combining these perspectives offers an unprecedented look at race and racism in the United States. To view more information about the travelling exhibit, you can go to its web site: http://raceproject.aaanet.org/home.html

RACE at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History

According to the American Anthropological Association, "The RACE project will help individuals of all ages better understand the origins and manifestations of race and racism in everyday life by investigating race and human variation through the framework of science."

The exhibit explores the concept of race through three primary themes:
    • The science of human variation
    • The history of the idea of race
    • The contemporary experience of race and racism in the Unites States

The exhibit presents these themes in an open, thoughtful setting. Throughout the space, specially designed educational stations provide hands-on exercises that help visitors examine their own race and ideas about race. The interesting and thought-provoking activities at these stations stimulate discourse about the topic of race in our society, as scientific and historical evidence challenge the misconceptions and commonly held perceptions about racial issues and prejudice.

The Exhibit

At RACE: Are We So Different?, race is investigated through many mediums, including video, photographs, many by noted Minnesota-based photographer Wing Young Huie, and at hands-on computer simulations. For instance, visitors are invited to scan their skin. These images will appear on the screen next to skin images from dozens of other visitors. Questions inserted on the screen will ask each participant to consider what skin shade reveals about themselves and others.

Then, continue to ponder the impact of race at interactive "History Stations." These theme-based areas display artifacts that help put race into a historical context. In addition, provocative quotes and first-person narratives about the American experience are cleverly distributed throughout the exhibit, providing further opportunities to take a multifaceted look at race in America.

At the "RACE Resource Center" you will find children's books, access to the RACE project website, short videos, and books and articles about race. The Resource Center provides a respite where you can sit, read, talk, and consider the powerful ideas in the exhibit. There is also a children's play area that incorporates race issues into educational games and toys. Also, offer your comments, and read the responses of others, at one of the four "Feedback Stations."

RACE: Are We So Different? is a 360 degree look into race yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It is a hands-on, realistic and timely look at the race issues affecting us all. The exhibit doesn't preach; instead, it offers opportunities to explore evidence drawn from leading experts and scientists about our origins as human beings.

A Project of the American Anthropological Association in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota. Funded by Ford Foundation and the National Science Foundation. National presenting sponsor is Best Buy™ Children's Foundation. Local presenting sponsor is Dominion.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.