The American System of Ethno-Racial Classification

Flashcards reviewing the key concepts of the American System of Ethno-Racial Classification, focusing on the social construct of race, its use in justifying slavery and inequality, and its evolution in the U.S. Census.

According to the lecture, how did race emerge in America?

Race emerged out of a distinct U.S. historical context, particularly around the debates over slavery in the 1820s.

What was the primary justification for slavery by the 1820s?

Race was the primary justification for slavery, as it was seen as a permanent, immutable characteristic.

How did the U.S. differ from Brazil regarding the controversy over slavery?

In Brazil, slavery was less controversial due to its monarchy, while in the U.S., a republic dedicated to equality, slavery contradicted the nation’s ideals.

What is the relationship between race and social hierarchy?

Race has always been an ascribed status within a hierarchical structure, where Blackness signified enslavement and Whiteness signified freedom.

How did Andrew Hacker’s “Two Nations” experiment demonstrate racial inequality?

White students demanded large sums of money to live as Black people, showing how deeply racial inequality is embedded in social consciousness.

According to Wagley, how is race constructed?

Race is a socially constructed category, shaped by political and economic forces, rather than a biological fact.

What is Skerry's critique of the U.S. Census regarding racial identities?

The U.S. Census oversimplifies racial identities and fails to capture the complexities of group identity.

According to Bourdieu, what role does race play in society?

Race is a social construct that serves to legitimize power structures, divide groups, and create inequality in society, reinforcing the position of dominant groups.

How did the one-drop rule institutionalize racial classification after slavery?

The one-drop rule categorized anyone with any Black ancestry as Black, creating clear boundaries and reinforcing segregation and discrimination.

According to Bonilla-Silva, how are racial categories constructed and redefined?

Racial categories are continually constructed and redefined based on political and social conditions, serving the interests of the dominant group and preserving inequality.

How has the definition of whiteness evolved over time in the U.S.?

Groups like the Irish, Italians, and Jews were not initially considered white but eventually gained whiteness status as racial boundaries shifted.

How is race viewed in Latin America according to Wagley?

Race is more fluid, and individuals often move between racial categories based on their social and economic status.

According to Fanon, how did colonial powers use racial categories?

Colonial powers used racial categories to divide and control colonized populations, justifying exploitation and violence.

In the Americas, how does Wagley emphasize race?

Race is context-dependent. People of different racial backgrounds may be classified differently depending on the country or region they live in.

What is Bonilla-Silva’s concept of color-blind racism?

People deny the role of race in perpetuating inequality, obscuring racial injustices and hindering efforts to address them.

What was the significance of the 2000 Census regarding racial identity?

Respondents were allowed to check more than one racial category, acknowledging that race is complex and people’s identities can span multiple categories.

According to Skerry, how has the Census become a tool for political identity?

Group identity is increasingly shaped by Census categories, leading to the evasion of politics by creating artificial distinctions.

Why is the Census crucial for political representation?

Racial classifications influence how resources and political power are distributed.