Race Democracy and Racism

A collection of flashcards summarizing key questions and answers on race studies based on the lecture material.

Diana Carolina Sierra Becerra;. Importance of Winning Ms. Columbia symbolized black people exist in Columbia.

Who was the first Black Miss Colombia?

Perceived as laziness, ugliness, sexual excess, and economic backwardness.

How was Blackness historically perceived in Colombia?

The contradiction between racial democracy (equality) and persistent racial/class/gender inequalities.

What is the main reason that led to the tension surrounding race in Latin America?

It blurs racial boundaries but privileges whiteness while marginalizing Black and Indigenous people.

How does mestizaje affect racial identity in Latin America?

Because class and racial inequality overlap, affecting life opportunities based on skin color.

Why is racism still present despite the absence of legal racial discrimination?

promotes cultural and linguistic rights but does not address economic disparities.

What is neoliberal multiculturalism?

A woman who use her beauty to gain access and improvements for her community but within the limits of neoliberal policies

What does La Negra Permitida refer to?

Beauty is seen as a way to access goods, better jobs, and social advancement.

How is beauty linked to social mobility?

Interracial marriages are rare, and lighter-skinned partners are often preferred for upward mobility.

How does marriage influence racial identity and social mobility?

National inclusion, mobility, and beauty are achieved through the consumption of beauty products.

How is national inclusion tied to commodity consumption?

An ideology suggesting that racial inclusion exists in Latin America, especially in Brazil.

What is racial democracy?

The optimistic view sees racial mixing as harmonious, while the critical view argues it masks discrimination.

What are the two perspectives on racial democracy?

It obscures racial inequalities and limits opportunities such as for race-based movements

How does racial democracy affect Afro-descendants?

By framing Black and brown soldiers' participation as proof of racial integration and equality.

How did the independence wars contribute to racial myths?

Efforts to encourage European immigration to 'improve' the racial stock.

What were whitening policies in Latin America?

It was promoted as a way to unify nations but often erased Black and Indigenous identities.

How did mestizaje relate to racial harmony?

Jos Vasconcelos' idea that Latin America's racial mixing created a superior race.

What is the 'Cosmic Race' theory?

They rejected white supremacy but upheld racial hierarchies through cultural hybridity.

How did nationalist governments view racial identity?

It claimed to eradicate racism, but racial inequalities persisted.

How did the Cuban Revolution address race?

Discussing racism was seen as undermining the revolution's success. Cuba claimed to have eradicated racisms and inequalities related to race

Why is race considered a taboo topic in Cuba?

Discrimination based on skin tone, with lighter skin being more socially advantageous. Light skinned people are seen as better.

What is colorism, and how does it affect Cuba?

Through informal rankings of skin tone, hair texture, and other racial traits.

How do racialized identities persist in Cuba?

Downplays racial inequalities while it allowed citizens to openly discuss race.

How does mestizaje influence Cuban national identity?

He claimed to have eradicated racism while racially inequalities continued.

What role did Fidel Castro play in Cuba's racial policies?

By opposing apartheid and aiding African liberation efforts.

How did Cuba support international Black movements?

The fall of the USSR and the economic crisis of the Periodo Especial.

What economic event challenged Cuba's racial harmony narrative?

Lighter-skinned workers were preferred for jobs due to 'buena presencia' (good appearance). They were also preferred because they had whiter skin and straighter which reinforced the idea of whiteness being superior.

How did tourism impact racial hierarchies in Cuba?

A belief that marrying a lighter-skinned person will improve the family's racial status.

What is Mejorar la raza?

Through comments about pelo malo/pelo bueno (bad/good hair) and racial biases in marriage.

How do family narratives maintain racial hierarchies?

Because racial biases are deeply embedded in social structures and family narratives. Anti- black bias consistently exist which helps to maintain racial hierarchies.

Why does racial inequality persist despite Cuba's official stance?