Race can put a constraint on an individual, for example the idea that all Asians are smart could constrain an individual by forcing them into a certain type of academic area. If an Asian were to major in Classics as opposed to Biology, they could be ridiculed, or discouraged by family and friends who have the view of what an Asian is supposed to pursue in life. In a more negative light, the behaviors associated with being black are using slang, listening to rap or hip hop, a certain type of attire, namely baggy/saggy pants for men, violence, and a certain type of attitude of anger and loudness, and not to mention how much they love chicken, waffles, and watermelon. If someone who is black does not participate in these types of behaviors, they are accused of not being “black enough” or “acting white”. These types of labels and categories create a separation between different socially constructed races and can also create a community within a certain race. So someone would be able to behave in a way that they are not “supposed” to if they wanted, but then they do not fit in with their racial community.
Many things in society have been created to appeal to individuals racially. With Black Entertainment Television, Telemundo, Korean dramas, etc. that are supposed to be made for a certain group of people, and it is something that they are supposed to enjoy. If an individual does not enjoy these things then they might not feel like they qualify as being a certain race or if they do not feel “black enough” or “Asian enough” they will not want to participate in these racially divided activities.
In an article entitled “The Talk: Nonblack Version”, the author, John Derbyshire lists the ways in which he has talked to his kids about blacks in America. One of the tips he lists off is the hostility that blacks feel towards white, another tip is to stay out of heavily black neighborhoods. He even goes as far as saying that if you want to plan a trip to the beach or an amusement park, to make sure that there are no large amounts of blacks there because it could threaten your safety. Here we have these behaviors associated with a certain race being taught to people’s children. If the idea of race and its associated behaviors had not been created and taught by people, these ideas would probably not be existent, it is only because society has taught them these ideas. These stereotypes or norms were created for a certain reason, many to oppress certain groups of people. If blacks, Asians, or Latinos started challenging the norms that have been set for them, there could possibly be a shift in the way society is set up and how they are viewed.
Sources: http://takimag.com/article/the_talk_nonblack_version_john_derbyshire#axzz2LbR6VyYW
Durkheim, Emile. 2004. Readings from Emile Durkheim. Ed. Kenneth Thompson. New York: Routledge.