Race

Ronald Chisom and Michael Washington, Undoing Racism: A Philosophy of International Social Change. People's Institute Press. People's Institute for Survival and Beyond. 1444 North Johnson Street. New Orleans, Louisiana, 70116. 1997. Second Edition. p. 30-31.

A specious classification of human beings created by Europeans (whites) which assigns human worth and social status using ‘white’ as the model of humanity and the height of human achievement for the purpose of establishing and maintaining privilege and power.

Comments on the Definition from COR Participants:

[nadine: I’d change this slightly – in Cheik Ante Diop’s studies of ancient Egypt, there were documents found that Egyptians “recognized” the existence of different “races” – without, however, instituting a hierarchy between these groups. Also, using race to build racism isn’t specific to Europeans (see Japanese imperialism in Asia). I find it really important to make this point because racism, like many forms of oppression, won’t necessarily disappear with white supremacy. Black supremacy could very well follow – the only thing that would keep that from happening is material and political barriers, not because people of colour are inherently anti-racist. Racism is an institution shared by all of humanity, and has existed between different groups at different times. Tying it solely to white supremacy seems dangerous, to me.]