It is important to realize that there is a lot of power in race definition, and also a lot of players in the process. The idea of racial definition was perpetuated with the expansion of colonialism. Perhaps it can be thought of as a reduction of individuals to one lump category of people based on their phentypic make-up. Once this classification occutrs, people are de-personalized and are easily manipulated socially, economically and politically. Geography's interst in the subject of race has concentrated on the measurement and significance of residential segregation.
Residential segregation based on race is a reality in our society.
In the next section, the concept of a Chinatown will be discussed, but there are also other examples for your consideration. People live in different geographic areas becuase of racial segregation. Geography and racial identity are intimately tied together. People construct their identity in relation to where they live. Geographic segregation allows the dominant culture to reinforce sterotypes and ethnic groups often internalize and perpetuate them.