The concept of racial dynamics explores the relationship of power, privilege, and discrimination based on race and has been a long and complex issue in society. These dynamics are deeply rooted in historical, social, and economic factors, and sociologists work to find the causes so that we can eliminate racial bias exacerbated by a history of colonialism.
What is “post-colonial” and “contemporary”?
Post-colonialism, or post-colonial theory, analyzes colonialism and imperialism’s cultural, political, and economic consequences. Starting in the 15th century, Western, specifically European powers, controlled external territories in regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. They imposed political and economic agendas in colonies, exploiting colonized people and their land. The end of this form of colonialism changed the power structures, identities, and cultural production in former colonies. On the other hand, “contemporary” refers to the present or recent times but in a more generic sense. Post-colonial affairs are a subset of contemporary affairs; however, “contemporary” does not necessarily recognize the connection to colonialism. That is not to say that colonialism has ended in the modern world, but rather, what was a long period of colonization no longer exists to that extent. Therefore, this article will explore how colonialism affected contemporary racial dynamics by analyzing current racial dynamics.
What did colonialism look like?
A critical theory to understand is Social Darwinism, which holds the belief that the White race is biologically superior to other colored races. Europeans used this to justify controlling regions in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. At the time, Europe had military and economic advantages that allowed them to diplomatically, but more often forcibly, take over countries. As Europeans established colonies worldwide, their societies became divided along racial lines. A high demand for labor grew, and a system of chattel slavery emerged, where Africans were the majority being enslaved. In the Americas, they were subjected to violence and dehumanization and were given no rights. Even after slavery was legally abolished, Africans faced constant terror from White supremacists and faced obstacles like disenfranchisement, educational barriers, and economic disadvantages.
In Asia, countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and India were exploited for resources by Europe. Racial hierarchies also formed, with White settlers on top and Asians at the bottom. Additionally, Asian populations were exploited through cheap labor, as well as indentured servitude. These dynamics, on top of the belief that White people were superior, caused many consequences after decolonization.
How did colonialism affect contemporary racial dynamics?
In a post-colonial world, race and ethnicity play a significant role in determining whether or not one has fundamental human rights. Systemic racism is deeply entrenched in society and is a long-lasting legacy of centuries of slavery and colonialism. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action recognizes that colonialism has led to racism and racial discrimination, where African, Asian, and Indigenous people continue to be victims of its consequences. While many are becoming aware and acknowledging inequalities in race, not much is being acted upon. Current racial dynamics dictate who can succeed in society by forcing economic inequalities and political repression of minority races. Racial dynamics are often a barrier to individuals finding jobs, going to college, or even having fundamental rights like voting and citizenship.
Many ethnicities can make up a race, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, and others making up the Asian race. However, therein lies the problem, which is that grouping dozens of ethnicities into one category based on physical appearance and skin color is highly harmful. These types of racial classification create a system to place the White race at the top, followed by Asians, known as the “model minority,” and typically followed by Black, Latina, and Indigenous people. This becomes a form of social exclusion with the distinction between “majority and minority,” forming a mindset of “us versus them.” By being forced into a racial identity, we create social identities around the groups that we belong to, which consists of our racial group. This type of mindset is why racial prejudice still exists in our world today and further divides racial groups.
While racial dynamics significantly affect oppressed communities around the world, there are ways that we can prevent the harmful legacies of colonialism from lasting throughout the next generations. Often, racial stereotypes stem from racist prejudices and are perpetuated by society through means of media and social interaction. To move towards the elimination of racial bias, we can call out those who use racial stereotypes against others and work towards more awareness for oppressed communities. Undoing the harm from centuries ago will not be an easy task. Still, we are a step closer to achieving this goal by understanding the relationships of race, power, and privilege.
Reference List
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