Race is a social construct which influences how people are treated and viewed by society based on their skin color and appearance. Although the term is used as a generic word to describe perceived differences between members of society from varying ethnic backgrounds, it is a scientifically inaccurate category related to phenotypical differences which have minimal influence on human behavior. Discrimination of people based on ethnic differences is called racism.
The concept of race was historically used since the 16th century to justify the invasion and colonization of lands, the genocide and slavery of peoples and the barbarism associated with capitalism, liberalism and primitive accumulation of capital.