ANT 207 Wynter (1995) – “1492: A New World View” so you can understand + memorize + apply it quickly.

What is the core argument of Sylvia Wynter in "1492: A New World View"?

Wynter argues that 1492 created a new way of seeing humanity, defining Europeans as fully human and racializing Indigenous and Black people as less-than-human.

What does Wynter mean by '1492 = Epistemic Shift'?

It signifies a change in how people define 'human,' moving from a religious worldview to a racial/classified worldview.

What were the definitions of 'human' before and after 1492 according to Wynter?

Before, human was defined as Christian vs non-Christian; after, human was defined as European (white, rational) vs 'others'.

How does Wynter characterize the concept of 'Man'?

'Man' is defined as the ideal human: European, white, rational, and civilized, while 'Others' are seen as primitive and irrational.

What is Wynter's perspective on the invention of race?

Race was created to justify colonization, slavery, and explain inequality; it is a system of classification, not biology.

What does Wynter mean by 'Colonialism + Knowledge = Power'?

It refers to how Europeans imposed their religion, science, and definitions of humanity, which is called epistemic domination.

How were Indigenous and African people dehumanized according to Wynter?

They were labeled as 'savages' and denied full humanity, which made slavery and violence seem acceptable.

What is Wynter's argument about modernity?

Modern society is built on the foundational racial system established after 1492, making racism an integral part of contemporary structures.

List important terms defined in Wynter's work.

Episteme, Othering, Colonial discourse, Racial hierarchy, Western 'Man'.

What does Wynter challenge in her argument?

Western definitions of 'human' and the idea that race is a natural category.

What is a quick memory trick related to Wynter's arguments?

1492 = Creation of Race + 'Man'.

What does Wynter argue 1492 represents?

A shift in worldview about humanity, not merely the discovery of land.

How does Wynter relate to race today?

Modern racism originates from the original classification system established in 1492.

What role does language play in Wynter's argument?

Language was used to label people and normalize inequality, linking power and knowledge.

How should one critique Wynter's argument?

By questioning Western definitions of humanity and advocating for a more inclusive definition of humanity.