The question of why the white Western world, or any society for that matter, has historically been obsessed with categorizing and classifying human beings based on various features or characteristics is complex and multifaceted. It involves a combination of historical, cultural, social, psychological, and political factors. It is important to note that this phenomenon is not exclusive to the white Western world and has been present in many societies throughout history.
Historical context: Historically, humans have always sought to understand and make sense of the world around them. This includes categorizing and classifying people into groups, which can be traced back to the tribal and clan societies where the identification of "us" versus "them" was crucial for survival.
Power dynamics and colonialism: During the colonial era, European powers often used racial classification as a means of justifying their dominance over other societies and regions. This led to the development of racial hierarchies and the idea of white superiority, which persisted even after the formal end of colonialism.
Social constructs and norms: Societies create social constructs that help define identities and roles. Categorizing people based on features like skin color, ethnicity, and sexual orientation has been a way to create social hierarchies and maintain power dynamics. These constructs are often deeply ingrained in cultural norms and can be challenging to overcome.
Fear of the unknown: Humans tend to fear what they don't understand. Categorizing and classifying people based on differences can be a way of trying to understand or control those who are perceived as different or unfamiliar.
Psychology and cognitive biases: Humans have cognitive biases that lead them to simplify complex information and make quick judgments. This can lead to stereotyping and generalizations based on superficial characteristics.
Legal and political systems: In the past, and even today, some legal and political systems have used categorization to create laws and policies that discriminate against certain groups or protect the interests of dominant groups.
Social identity theory: People often derive a sense of identity and belonging from the groups they belong to. This can lead to the reinforcement of group boundaries and the creation of an "us versus them" mentality.
It's important to recognize that efforts to categorize and classify individuals based on various characteristics can perpetuate discrimination, inequality, and social injustice. As societies evolve and become more aware of these issues, there have been movements and efforts to challenge these categorizations and promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Nevertheless, overcoming deeply ingrained patterns and biases takes time and concerted efforts from individuals, communities, and institutions.