The+Creation+of+Race

The Creation of Race by Angela A. Source: ( [] ) Both Charlize Theoron and Shingai Shinowa are African women. Based on American history they would both be considered black women. Source of information: ( [] ) Source of images: ([|ariddleofrevenge.wordpress.com/.../ im-so-slow/] and [|whenevawhateva.wordpress.com/.../]) This image shows the harsh punishments faced by those with darker skin. Source of information: ( [] ) Source of image:
 * The idea of race was created in the 1500s.
 * Prior to the 1500s race was not something people thought of as a way to identify themselves. They were more inclined to identify themselves by their profession, country of origin, or religion.
 * Our ideas about race are not based in biology but culture.
 * Scientists have confirmed that classifications for race are not based in genetics.
 * They have found that looks do not correspond with actual African or European ancestry in the way we define race. Because someone looks “white” does not mean they have high European ancestry. Our classifications are not based on genes or DNA.
 * Race was created to justify American slavery.
 * Those in charge of the colonies were afraid of a unity between all of the forced labor in the early colonies. Included in this forced labor were Native Americans, Africans, and Irish.
 * These people often lived, worked, played and spent time together. At times they banned together to fight against the horrible conditions of their forced labor.
 * This unity was dangerous to the established colonies.
 * The owners of the colonies needed a way to divide these groups. Therefore, they created race—through harsh laws and new customs.
 * These new laws stripped Africans of many legal rights they had previously held. They were no longer free to marry partners of their choice. They lost land ownership and their standing in court. They were punished more severely for acts of disobedience. Slavery became a permanent condition marked by skin color.


 * After slavery ended, race was still ingrained in the minds’ of people.
 * Reconstruction and the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments held the promise of better lives for African Americans.
 * The decision in Plessy v. Ferguson challenged the promise of these new rights and ushered in the era of segregation.
 * Many people would continue to fight for the promises embedded in the US constitution—life, liberty and equality for all.
 * Included in the fight were many young people. These people fought in the courts for better and equal education. They fought in demonstrations and protests. They fought by going to the south and registering people to vote. They started schools to teach people their rights and their history.
 * Ultimately they won in the courts when Brown v. Board overturned Plessy v. Ferguson. Education had become the ultimate battleground.
 * They also won when the world witnessed the violence against children displayed in the Children’s March also called the Children’s Crusade.
 * Our society has changed a lot. But I wonder is racism still a major problem?