idea+of+race+begin


 * What is race?**

On the UNC-TV website, there is a page entiled what is race. When clicked on, it shows 10 quick facts based on race, titled "Is Race for Real?". These 10 quick facts are: 1. Race is a modern idea. 2. Race has no genetic basis. 3. Slavery predates race. 4. Race and freedom were born together. 5. Race justifies social inequalites as natural. 6. Human subspecies don't exsist. 7. Skin color is only skin deep. 8. Most variation is within, not "between" races. 9. Race is not biological, but racism is still real. 10. Colorblindness will not end racism.


 * When did the idea of race begin?**

Although the act of racism is less common today in the United States, there are still forms of discrimination happening around the here and around the globe. For instance, the recent election of Obama, has disgusted white abolitionists and gangs such as the Klu-Klux-Klan. Because of this, African-Americans in the United States, including the President and his family, have been threatened to not think they are equal. But, how did this cruel act and thought of racism start? Historians have many liable answers to this question.



Around the world, racism can date all the way back to BCE. During this time the Greeks labeled people by there language and culture, and the worst was the label of a barbarian. These were viewed as the people of the lowest class, and the least knowledge. Although this is not a form of racism, it is an act of discrimination.

During the 1600's comes the first form of slavery. Poor Englishmen, and Africans were the ones affected with this decision. But, the slaves were working as indentured slaves; they worked on the farms, but were treated with kindness and respect. However in 1676, during the time of Bacon's Rebellion, it is determined that Africans are better workers than Europeans, and therefore will have to remain working. They were no longer indentured slaves, and were to remain working permanently. In 1680, comes the marking of the term "white", and Africans as the term "black", spoken by the Early English colonial laws.



In 1781, marks the first public sign of racism. Thomas Jefferson, a prominent government figure in the 18th century, wrote that white people are inferior to blacks in Notes on the State of Virginia.

This date marks the first sign of racism in the United States. Following this many actions, and racist decisions took place. Some important events that also occurred were the publications of a few scientific articles that "proved" the idea of racial superiority. One important scientist, who first introduced a classification by race, was Johann Blumenbach. He stated that there was five main races among human beings. These races are the Caucasian race (white race), the Mongolian race (yellow race), the Malayan race (brown race), the Negroid race (black race) and the American race (red race). Also, Carolus Linnaeus, who was the first person to publish a racial classification system of humans in 1758. (his publication was in the article System Naturale).

Blumenbach's five race classifications.


 * Where did the idea of race begin?**

The idea of race mainly started in the United States, and in Europe. It was mostly common in the in the southern part of the United States, with the first case of racism happening in Virginia. Even throughout the times of racism occurred more in the South, then in the North.

Although the first sign of racism is in the United States, this can relate back to the European Countries. People in the United States first came from Europe, and with them brought the views of European people. It was in fact a German scientist who introduced the race based classification.

Also from the European origin, many important parts of history, such as slavery, were started by many of the beliefs from the English.


 * What's next?**

Where and when did the idea of race start globally? I would like to go more in depth on this question. In the research I have completed, I mainly viewed only the start of racism in the United States. I think it would be interesting to expand my view of racism, and see how it affected the whole world.

AnnBibGoetz