5 But I never could. In the fall, my skin started fading back to a lighter brown, blue veins showing on the inside of my arms. But in the summer, it darkened so much that strangers asked, What are you? A question Thated. Tell them you're a human, Holly always said. And then ask them what are they?
Define the term "race" in your own words. What is Woodson saying about race in paragraph 5?
In my own words, "race" refers to a social construct that categorizes people based on physical characteristics such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features. It is a way to differentiate individuals and assign them to specific groups based on these physical attributes.
In paragraph 5, Woodson is highlighting the fluidity of her own racial identity. She describes how her skin color changes throughout the seasons, making it difficult for others to categorize her. This suggests that race is not a fixed or inherent characteristic, but rather something that is externally assigned and subject to interpretation. Woodson challenges the notion of race by suggesting that it is more important to recognize one's shared humanity rather than focusing on these superficial differences.