Experts urge better understanding of race

NASHVILLE, Texas, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Panelists at a dialogue on racism in Nashville said a better understanding of race in relation to society is needed to help fight racism.

Former civil rights leader James Lawson said during Sunday's gathering at Nashville's St. Edward Church that race is simply a "social construct" that is no different than an individual's religious beliefs, native language or gender, The (Nashville) Tennessean reported Monday.

"Race should not make a difference because it is a social construct. Not only is race a social construct, but so is creed and religion. So is country and language. So is gender and so is sexual orientation," the Vanderbilt University professor said.

Freedom Forum First Amendment Center founder John Seigenthaler used the event, which was coordinated by the church's Social Action Committee, to point out how recent events indicate racism still exists in Nashville.

Seigenthaler said the defacing of a local mural honoring Nashville's Freedom Riders was indicative of racism in Nashville, The Tennessean said.