Origin of Everything: The Origin of Race in the USA
The video 'Origin of Everything: The Origin of Race in the USA' explores the historical development of racial concepts in American society. It traces the evolution of race from a category of kinship in the 16th century to its biological connotations influenced by Enlightenment theories and the demands of slavery and colonialism. The narrative highlights the role of pseudoscience in justifying systemic exploitation, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. By examining key historical events, such as the colonization efforts and the introduction of racial laws, the video underscores how race became entrenched in social and legal structures. Anthropologist Audrey Smedley and historian Matthew Jacobson provide insight into the shifts in racial definitions over time. The video emphasizes the ongoing implications of these historical ideologies, making it an essential resource for understanding race as a social construction relevant to contemporary discussions.
Media Details
Runtime: 9 minutes 22 seconds
- Topic: Biographies, Counseling and Self-Help, History
- Subtopic: African-Americans, Powell, Colin, Prejudice, U.S. History (General)
- Grade/Interest Level: 9 - 12
- Release Year: 2018
- Producer/Distributor: PBS Digital Studios
- Series: Origin of Everything
- Report a Problem
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