Exploring the Social Construct of Race Through Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me
- Aishwarya
- Jan 20
- 6 min read
Aishwarya | Date: Jan 20, 2024, 10:59 AM | Last Updated: Jan 20, 2024, 1:32 AM
In Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates delves into the deeply ingrained social construct of race, arguing that race is not a biological reality, but rather a fabricated system that has been used throughout history to justify inequality and violence. Through this heartfelt letter to his son, Coates conveys his personal experiences with systemic racism, illustrating how the construction of race continues to impact the lives of Black people in America today. This perspective calls attention to both past and present injustices, challenging readers to rethink assumptions about race and recognize the lasting effects of racialized oppression.
Coates’ reflections on the social construct of race are at the heart of this work. He challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about race, showing that it was created as a means to divide and oppress people. This idea resonates with the historical construction of race, particularly in the context of the emotional and physical slavery of black people, with references to the transatlantic slave trade.
The concept of race was intentionally developed to categorize people into hierarchies, with white people positioned at the top and Black people at the bottom. This racial categorization was central to the justification of slavery, as it allowed enslavers to dehumanize Black individuals and treat them as property rather than as people. Coates writes, “Race is the child of racism, not the father,” (Coates, p. 7), underscoring that race was constructed to serve the needs of those in power, not an inherent trait of human beings.
Historically, the roots of racial categorization can be traced to the 17th century, during the period of European colonization and the rise of the transatlantic slave trade. According to historian Ibram X. Kendi in his book Stamped from the Beginning, racial categories were constructed not based on biology but to rationalize the brutal enslavement of African people. The notion of racial superiority was codified into law and social norms, embedding itself deeply within American culture and legal systems. This system of racial categorization perpetuated ideas of white supremacy that, as Coates argues, continue to influence modern American society.
One of the most compelling arguments Coates makes in Between the World and Me is the idea that the American Dream is fundamentally racialized. He critiques the myth that America offers equal opportunity to all, revealing that the country’s prosperity has always been built on the exploitation and dehumanization of Black people. Coates writes, “The Dream rests on our backs, the bedding made from our bodies” (Coates, p. 11). He points to the reality that the idealized vision of America’s success is built on the violent subjugation of Black people. The story of American capitalism is intimately tied to the history of slavery and segregation, as industries such as cotton, tobacco, and sugar flourished through the labour of enslaved Africans. Coates critiques the ideal of a colorblind society, highlighting that the wealth enjoyed by many Americans today is built on a history of racial violence and systemic exclusion.
This critique extends to the ongoing issue of police brutality. The 2014 murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement, are contemporary examples of how racialized violence continues to target Black communities in America. Coates’ reflections on racial violence echo these events, as he writes about the constant threat to the Black body, which has been a recurring feature of Black life in America since the days of slavery. The persistence of police violence against Black people is not an anomaly but part of a long history of state-sanctioned violence against marginalized groups.
The 1992 Los Angeles riots, sparked by the acquittal of police officers who had brutally beaten Rodney King, similarly exposed the deep-rooted racial tensions in American society. As Coates highlights, these tensions are fueled by the notion that Black people are inherently dangerous or criminal, a stereotype that has its origins in the racial hierarchies created during slavery.
In the context of Canada, while the historical experiences of Black people differ, the social construct of race also plays a significant role in shaping Canadian society. From the institution of slavery in early colonial Canada to contemporary debates around racial profiling, policing, and immigration, the legacy of racial inequality persists in the country. Canada’s own history of anti-Black racism can be traced back to the 17th century when enslaved Africans were brought to the country. Today, the effects of that history are still felt in the experiences of Black Canadians, who face systemic barriers in education, employment, and the criminal justice system. Understanding race as a construct, as Coates advocates, is just as relevant in the Canadian context as it is in the United States.
The relevance of Between the World and Me extends beyond the specific context of race in America. In a globalized world, issues of race and systemic inequality affect many societies, including Canada. For teens in Ontario, where issues of race and identity are also deeply relevant, this book offers a valuable opportunity to engage in conversations about race, privilege, and social justice. Coates’ writing encourages readers to reflect on how these issues manifest in their own communities, offering a perspective that is both personal and universal. He states, “The struggle is really all [we] have” (Coates, p.107), highlighting the importance of recognizing the ongoing nature of resistance and the role each individual plays in challenging injustice.
Reading Between the World and Me is undoubtedly a worthwhile endeavor for students in Ontario. As an educational resource, it not only fosters critical thinking about race and inequality but also promotes empathy and understanding. Coates’ honest and reflective approach to discussing race serves as a tool for sparking meaningful conversations, allowing readers to explore difficult topics in a safe and thought-provoking manner. In an increasingly diverse society, understanding the social construct of race is crucial for building a more equitable and inclusive future.
Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me presents an invaluable exploration of the social construct of race, advocating for a deeper understanding of how racial inequality is perpetuated. By examining both historical events and contemporary issues like police brutality, Coates invites readers to confront the ongoing impact of racialized oppression. Coates' personal experiences and his critical insights offer readers an opportunity to engage with vital social issues, making this book an essential read for young people in Ontario. It challenges them to rethink the constructs of race, privilege, and justice, urging them to take part in shaping a more just society.
Works Cited
Coates, Ta-Nehisi. Between the World and Me. Spiegel & Grau, 2015.
Kendi, Ibram X. Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in
America. PublicAffairs, 2016.
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Langer, Emily, and Aaron Wiener. “Who was Rodney King? His 1991 beating by L.A. police
roiled America.” The Washington Post, 27 January 2023,
Accessed 20 January 2025.
Lewis, Thomas. “Transatlantic slave trade | History & Facts.” Britannica, 2 December 2024,
https://www.britannica.com/topic/transatlantic-slave-trade. Accessed 20 January 2025.
“Research Help: Anti-racism Resources: What Does Racism Look Like? Colorblindness.”
Research Guides, 15 January 2025, https://fitchburgstate.libguides.com/c.php?
g=1046516&p=7616506. Accessed 20 January 2025.
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