Morphology: how we look.

Now my question:

How does morphology matter?

Also:

How and why do others treat us a certain way (stereo-typing) us based on how we look?

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Morphology vs Race

Morphology is real (based on geographic regions). Race is not real.

For example, the ‘European Race’ is a socially-constructed concept. For the notion of ‘Europe’ is a socially-constructed one. How far does Europe go? Even the notion of ‘Europe’ is a modern one.

Similarly, the ‘American Race‘ is a socially constructed one. For the notion of ‘race’ is a modern one. The origin is Middle French (race in Wiktionary). A quote from our friend Montaigne:

• 1595,  Michel de Montaigne,  Essais, book II, chapter 11:
  • Je le doy plus à ma fortune qu’à ma raison : Elle m’a faict naistre d’une race fameuse en preud’hommie, et d’un tres-bon pere
    • I owe more to my luck than to my intelligence. It was luck that meant I was born into a race famous for its gentlemanliness, and to a very good father

Also even further, the Italian word ‘razza‘ which means ‘breed, type, family, descent’.

Anyways, the first thought:

Race is a modern notion and is not empirical and real.

However, morphology is real. But what is morphology and what does it signify and what is the significance of morphology? My thoughts:

Morph: shape, form.

‘Morphe‘ in Ancient Greek.

Do you remember the ‘Mighty Morphing Power Rangers’? Same thing.

Morph means shape, form, appearance, etc.

Yes, everyone looks different.

Better question:

Why do we all look different, and why do some of us look more similar than dissimilar?

Depending on where your ancestors came from, there are different morphological features in certain groups of people.

For example, if you’re from Northern Sweden (Umea) there are times when there is literally only 30 minutes of sun a day (cruel winter). This mean they needed to be as pale as possible in order to maximally absorb Vitamin D or whatever from the sun.

Why I prefer east coast weather to west coast weather

I am Korean-American. This means my ancestors are from South Korea.

In Korea, we got 4 distinct seasons. Koreans are relatively pale because during the winter months, we also need more Vitamin D or UV rays. Thus over time, those who had lighter complexions probably did better.

Thus as a consequence after living a year in Providence, I think I’ve found my paradise. I believe we actually under-estimate the importance of climate and weather based on our ancestry and morphology.

For example, I think the reason why I feel lazier in LA than the Bay Area; LA is too hot. It never gets cold. The Bay Area was better — colder, and more variation in weather. But East Coast is better; I like the snow. My Korean ancestors lived through the snow. The snow and cold stimulates and strengthens me.

Morphology as class distinction

Essentially what stereotyping and racism or skin-tone, or morphological features means is this:

I look at you, and I want to judge whether you are equal to me, inferior to me, or superior to me (from a social power perspective).

For example in Korea, the darker you are, the worse. Why? The basic notion:

If you’re super dark, it means you work outdoors all day as a laborer, which means you’re probably poor.

However if you’re really pale and white, it means you’re rich to always stay indoors and you don’t gotta work.

We will stereotype and be racist and judge one another based on morphological features for the rest of eternity

Let me give you an example:

As an Asian-American guy, I am seen as meek, un-threatening, and socially NON-MASCULINE.

In terms of the racial masculinity hierarchy in America it is something like this:

1. African-Americans are apex masculinity, physical strength
2. Then maybe Latino or Hispanic / Caucasian
3. Asian guys
4. Indian (south asian) guys

I think the optimal strategy would be something like this:

African-American as apex physically dominant male [you want this guy as your boyfriend or your male concubine], but have a ‘secure’ “provider” bringing home the bacon who is Caucasian, Asian, or South-Asian (Indian).

Why do we think African-American males are the apex in terms of physical prowess?

I want to share you something about myself:

I am racist towards myself.

I have actually believed in the past that Asian men are genetically inferior to African men. The idea we got smaller dicks, lesser physical potential, blah blah blah. But I then realized:

I am sure there are some Asian guys with huuuuge dicks, and some African American guys with small dicks.

So where does this bias come from?

Racism against Asian American men

It seems natural that any nation is xenophobic towards anything that isn’t it. For example, the ancient greeks considered anything that wasn’t greek as barbaric. Interestingly enough, in the Iliad, the battle between the Greeks and Trojans isn’t race-based. It is simply one group trying to conquer another group, in order to procure more resources, slaves, military power, etc.

So let us consider the start of America: Europeans/British folks who came to America to escape persecution of the Brits. The founding fathers are a combination of Utilitarian thinkers, ex-British-thinkers, European descent, Christian, etc. Thus it only makes sense that in American history, it is anti-European/foreigners [the Irish, the Italians, the Greeks, the Germans, etc].

Also in terms of history, Asian men were imported to America as cheap labor. And because life in China is so hard and cruel, many industrious and entrepreneurial Chinese men came to America for hopes for a better life.

Where did the South Koreans come from?

A controversial point:

Honestly at this point, I see South Korea as a new colony of America.

During the Korean War, America sent in troops to defend South Korea against the encroachment of the North Korean/Chinese/Communists.

Also during the South Korean IMF bailout, America essentially positioned herself in order to open up South Korea to American economies and ‘free trade’, which essentially made South Korea less economically independent (economic freedom as freedom in modern nation states). Thus even today … you ever wonder why we got so many Samsung phones and TV’s in our homes? Or even tons of Hyundai and Kia cars? (Hyundai owns Kia).

My theory:

America is using South Korea as a strategic ally in order to propagate ‘Americanness’ to the rest of the planet.

Morphology and race is the red herring

Basic thought:

America doesn’t really care for race. America simply cares to become master of the planet.

Who does America see as the only ‘real’ threat to her? China. Besides this, American politics and war-politics is simply a battle to remain dominant on planet earth (American ‘hegemony’). ‘Hegemon‘ as being the leader.

What does a nation-state desire?

A nation state desires power. More power. Hopefully domination of the entire planet.

Military power or financial power?

In terms of power; what do we really mean to say?

Power — can be thought of as economic power [China]. Or military power [America].

Why does a nation want more power? Simply because that is her nature. A nation wants to grow indefinitely, maintain power, and beyond that .. infinitely augment her power.

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Should morphology matter?