The Origin of Race in the USA

The video explores the evolution of the concept of race, from its early definition as kinship to its transformation during the colonial era, influenced by global capitalism and the Enlightenment. It discusses the role of race in labor exploitation, the emergence of pseudoscience to justify slavery, and the legal codification of racial differences. The video concludes with modern perspectives on race, highlighting both a revival of ethnic identity and outdated biological theories.

What was the original meaning of the term 'race' in the 16th century?

• A social class

• A legal status

• A category of kinship or group affiliation

• A biological category

What were the two main factors that influenced the shift in the concept of race during the 17th and 18th centuries?

• The Industrial Revolution and urbanization

• The rise of global capitalism and the Enlightenment

• The Renaissance and scientific discoveries

• The Reformation and religious changes

How did the Enlightenment contribute to the development of racial ideologies?

• By categorizing the natural world and justifying social norms

• By abolishing slavery

• By emphasizing the similarities between all humans

• By promoting religious tolerance

Which philosopher claimed that certain racial groups stood outside of history?

• Immanuel Kant

• Samuel Cartwright

• Thomas Jefferson

• Matthew Jacobson

What was the purpose of the first naturalization laws in the United States in 1790?

• To promote immigration from Europe

• To grant citizenship to all residents

• To limit citizenship to free white persons

• To abolish slavery

How did the concept of 'whiteness' change in the US during the 1920s?

• It was defined by skin tone alone

• It became more exclusive to Anglo-Saxon descendants

• It was abolished as a racial category

• It was expanded to include all European immigrants

What trend has been observed in recent decades regarding racial and ethnic identity?

• A decline in ethnic pride

• An increase in identifying with ethnic history

• A complete disregard for racial categories

• A universal acceptance of outdated racial theories