Caucasian in America: Commonly refers to white-skinned people of European descent.
Caucasian Globally: Varies by country, traditionally refers to people from the Caucasus region (Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Northern Turkey).
Historical Context
Christoph Meiners: Early adopter of scientific racism; believed Caucasians (from the Caucasus) were superior.
Viewed non-Caucasian races as inferior.
Derogatory views on people from the Middle East and Asia.
Johann Blumenbach: Expanded racial classification.
Believed Georgians were the most beautiful.
Had a collection of 245 human skulls, favored the Georgian skull.
Claimed humanity originated from the Caucasus region.
Racial Classifications by Blumenbach
Caucasian: Light-skinned Europeans.
Mongolian: Yellow race.
Malayan: Brown race.
Ethiopian: Black race.
American: Red race.
Adoption in the United States
Influence: Blumenbach's classifications helped justify slavery and immigration policies.
Legal History: The term 'Caucasian' was used in Supreme Court cases.
1928 Bhagat Singh Thind case: Defined Caucasian legally as white Europeans.
Persistence of the Term
Reasons for Persistence:
Legal history and Supreme Court decisions.
Perception of scientific validity.
Language as a tool for racial ideology.
Implications: Suggests a connection among white people beyond skin color.
Conclusion
Reflection: Surprising history of the term 'Caucasian'.
Cultural Impact: Continued usage highlights the power of language in racial classification and ideology.