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Race: Are We So Different?

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?, 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.

In conjunction with the exhibition RACE: Are We So Different? currently on view at the National Museum of Natural History (June 18, 2011 to January 8, 2012), the Smithsonian is creating programming throughout its various museums and learning centers that supports public conversations about this important topic.

Learn more about the Smithsonian Initiative >

Visitors to RACE: Are We So Different? will meet trained volunteers there to encourage dialogue and reflection, answer questions, and help visitors explore the exhibition. We hope you enjoy getting to know them.

Name: Sarah Cahlan

“I am an undergraduate at George Mason University where I dual major in Archaeology and Environmental Studies. I hail from Las Vegas, Nevada and currently live here in DC. My love for museums led me to volunteer here at NMNH. Being of Irish and Mexican descent I am aware of the man Race related questions as I often am the recipient of them. I hope to both learn and educate others about this topic.”

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