Transracialism, or The Myth and Necessity of Race

Oli London is a British influencer, singer, and television personality who gained notoriety for undergoing numerous plastic surgeries to resemble BTS member, Jimin. He has since identified as transracial, claiming to have changed his racial identity to Korean. Transracialism is a controversial concept that challenges traditional notions of race and identity. It posits that an individual can identify as a different race or ethnicity than the one they were assigned at birth. 

Oli London - I could've done him so dirty here but I chose a photo I don't find laughable.

Firstly, I'd like to say that transracialism is ridiculous, and not a valid identity. It is the ultimate cultural appropriation - taking all the beautiful aspects of other cultures and using them without the burden of racism. However, I think it raises some interesting questions about the myth of race, and its importance in society despite its status as a social construct.

Race is a social construct, science has concluded that there is no solid genetic basis for race. No single gene is shared by a majority of any race, demonstrating little genetic evidence for race - suggesting its origin in social structures. Race is a concept that has been developed and used primarily in Western societies, such as the United States, Canada, and Europe. In some cultures, such as in many Indigenous communities and some Asian societies, the idea of race as a social construct may not hold the same level of significance or may be understood in different ways. Additionally, in some parts of the world where there is more ethnic and cultural homogeneity, such as in some parts of Africa or Asia, race may not be as relevant a concept as it is in more diverse societies. In these societies, prejudice based on looks absolutely exists, as society links physical characteristics with class and other factors, but it's not racism.

Race exists as a concept constructed by the West for colonialist reasons - when colonialists invaded and repossessed Africa and the Caribbean, they created racial classifications to enforce segregation and prescribe specific qualities to different races. They created race as a way to identify the worth of their subjects and differentiate between themselves and their new possessions. The label of 'Black,' or more archaic terms, meant that white people could define such people as less-than, and prescribe specific qualities to 'the other.' 

Race, then, is a colonialist construction - and transracialism takes this colonialist construction and attempts to co-opt it for personal gain. It ignores the reality of racial oppression and the systemic racism that exists in society, reducing race to a costume that can be put on and taken off at will. It is important to recognize that the experience of being a different race goes beyond physical appearance - it encompasses a shared history, culture, and lived experience that cannot be replicated through plastic surgery or cultural appropriation.

Furthermore, the concept of transracialism can be seen as a distraction from the larger issue of systemic racism and the need for true racial equality. By focusing on individual identity, we risk ignoring the larger social structures that perpetuate racial inequality and discrimination. Instead, we should focus on dismantling these structures and promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of society.

The idea of transracialism is simply not a valid identity and should not be used to co-opt or appropriate other cultures. Race is a social construct that has been used historically to oppress and divide people, and we should work towards dismantling these structures rather than perpetuating them through the concept of transracialism. True racial equality can only be achieved through understanding and addressing the systemic issues of racism and discrimination that exist in our society.

There have been several high-profile cases of individuals claiming to be transracial, but each case has faced significant backlash and criticism.

One well-known example is Rachel Dolezal, a former president of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) chapter in Spokane, Washington. Dolezal was born to white parents but claimed to identify as black, going as far as altering her appearance through hair styling and tanning. Her claim to a black identity was eventually exposed, leading to widespread condemnation and mockery.

#Another example is Martina Big, a German model who claimed to have changed her race to black through tanning injections and surgery. She also claimed to have changed her gender identity and breast size. Her actions were widely criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and for attempting to profit off of the appropriation of black culture.

These cases highlight the harm caused by transracialism, as they appropriate cultures and identities for personal gain and undermine the struggles and lived experiences of people who face discrimination based on their race or ethnicity. They also distract from the important work of dismantling systemic racism and promoting inclusivity and equality.

It is important to recognize that the concept of transracialism is harmful and disrespectful to those who have experienced racism and discrimination based on their race or ethnicity. Rather than focusing on individual identity and appropriation, we must work towards building a society that values and celebrates diversity while actively addressing the systemic issues of racism and discrimination that persist in our communities.