Why do we have race classifications to classify ourselves?

Question

E.g: White, White African, Black, Asian American, Black British, Chinese Australian etc..

Is it to do with skin colour? Isnt that a bit racist then - dividing ourselves?

My mum is african while my dad is british and I have white skin - does that make me White or black something?

AAArg so confusing and annoying this system of human classifications!

Answer 1

It is not racist to recognise racial difference.  It is racist to treat people less well because of their race.

Understanding racial trends is an important part of a civilized society as it enables us to address issues of discrimination before they become points of contention.

The term black does not always mean the colour of a persons skin, it is also used as a political term.  This means that all minorities can in some senses be 'politically black'.

Answer 2

the white people 500 yrs ago liked it that way. divide and then you shall conquer