Many people find it challenging to accept the idea that race is socially created within a historical context. Why do you think this is the case?

In the first lecture, we examined the origins of race in the western world. Many people find it challenging to accept the idea that race is socially created within a historical context. Why do you think this is the case? What was the purpose of categorizing people along racial lines in early American history? (Be very careful to discuss this topic from a racial theory and historical perspective and you must avoid making derogatory comments. Should you find anything to be insensitive, please bring this to my attention immediately.)