In a world increasingly focused on social justice and equality, the terms “black” and “white” often dominate conversations about race. These terms, while ingrained in American culture, are based on social constructs rather than factual evidence of differences between people. They divide and dehumanize, failing to reflect the rich ethnic and cultural heritage that all people share. It is time for us to re-examine how these labels were created and why they still persist, while also exploring ways to unite communities through principles like livity.
The Historical Roots of Black” and “White”
Before the terms “black” and “white” became synonymous with race, people identified with their ethnic groups, heritage, and cultural origins. Whether it was the Ashanti, the Irish, the Taino, or the Diné, these identities were rooted in shared history, language, and community. However, the racialization of these identities began during the era of colonialism, particularly with the transatlantic slave trade.
In the late 1600s, colonial America introduced legal distinctions between “black” and “white,” most notably in Virginia in 1681. These labels were not based on the natural order of human differences but were instead imposed as a means of control. The racial distinction between Europeans and Africans allowed colonists to justify the brutal system of slavery and maintain social and economic power.
Historian Ibram X. Kendi explains that by creating this racial binary, European colonists reinforced a hierarchy where “white” meant superior and “black” meant inferior. This framework institutionalized racism, making race a convenient tool for social division and oppression. It wasn’t just a classification; it was a method of control.
Early Human Populations and Skin Color
Before distinct ethnic groups like the Greeks, Saxons, and Irish came into existence, early human populations were predominantly darker-skinned. Modern humans (Homo sapiens) originated in Africa about 200,000 years ago, and these early populations evolved darker skin as a protective measure against the harsh UV radiation in equatorial regions. Darker skin, rich in melanin, helped shield them from the sun’s harmful rays and preserved essential nutrients like folate.
When humans began migrating out of Africa around 60,000 to 70,000 years ago, they spread to various parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. As they moved into areas with less sunlight, particularly in northern latitudes, lighter skin tones gradually evolved to help these populations synthesize enough vitamin D from limited sunlight. This skin color variation was an adaptation to environmental conditions rather than an indicator of racial differences.
Interestingly, genetic evidence shows that some of the earliest European populations, such as the Cheddar Man in Britain (around 10,000 years ago), still had darker skin despite living in Europe for thousands of years. It wasn’t until later, around 7,000 to 8,000 years ago, that lighter skin became more widespread in Europe as a result of agricultural lifestyles and reduced sun exposure.
The Falsehood of Biological Race
One of the most harmful legacies of the terms “black” and “white” is the false belief that there are significant biological differences between races. In reality, humans are 99.9% genetically identical. The variations in skin color are superficial and have no bearing on the fundamental nature of our humanity.
As noted by anthropologist Ashley Montagu, race is an artificial classification system—one that has been used to enforce social hierarchies rather than reflect any true scientific differences. Instead of recognizing ethnic diversity, people in power grouped vast populations under racial labels, stripping individuals of their unique cultural and historical identities.
Eugenics in the USA and Nazi Germany
The eugenics movement in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a significant role in the institutionalization of these racial categories. Eugenics promoted the idea of selective breeding to improve the human race by reducing the reproduction of people deemed “unfit” based on race, disability, and class. The victims of eugenics policies were overwhelmingly people of color, particularly Black, Native, and Indigenous communities, as well as those considered “racially inferior” by pseudoscientific standards.
In the United States, eugenics policies were implemented through forced sterilizations and restrictive immigration laws targeting marginalized groups. The 1924 Immigration Act, for example, was shaped by eugenicist thought and aimed at limiting immigration from non-European countries, particularly those perceived as racially inferior.
Nazi Germany later borrowed heavily from American eugenics policies in shaping their own racial purity laws. The Nazis sought to create an “Aryan master race” by exterminating Jews, Romani people, people with disabilities, and other groups considered inferior. They also conducted brutal experiments on Black, Indigenous, and Jewish populations in the name of racial purity. These groups, along with the millions of others who perished in the Holocaust, were subjected to dehumanizing treatment based on the pseudoscientific notion of racial superiority.
Zionism and Racial Politics
Zionism, a movement for the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland, originated in Europe in the late 19th century as a response to the widespread persecution of Jewish people. While Zionism sought to address the systemic discrimination faced by Jews, it has also been intertwined with complex racial politics, particularly in the context of colonialism and indigenous displacement.
In the case of the creation of Israel, indigenous Palestinian populations were displaced, a reality that mirrors the treatment of Indigenous peoples in America and other colonized regions. These events reflect how, across history, racial divisions have been used to justify land theft, displacement, and the erasure of native cultures.
Race as a Tool for Oppression
In the United States, the terms “black” and “white” continue to reinforce a system of inequality. “Black” has been historically associated with criminality, poverty, and inferiority, while “white” has been tied to power, purity, and superiority. These stereotypes have fueled systemic racism, influencing policies, societal attitudes, and even personal biases.
Outside of America, many communities around the world still identify themselves based on ethnic groups, cultural practices, or kinship networks. In many African nations, for example, people align themselves with their tribe—whether Zulu, Yoruba, or Igbo—rather than identifying strictly as “black.” Similarly, Indigenous peoples in Australia or the Americas emphasize their ancestral ties to specific land and cultural traditions.
The Connection to Ancestral Knowledge and the Land
Indigenous and Aboriginal peoples have a profound connection to the land, nature, and their cultural practices, often passed down through oral traditions, rituals, and spiritual beliefs. These communities have lived in harmony with the earth for millennia, developing sustainable ways of living that respect natural ecosystems and preserve biodiversity.
Colonial and imperial powers, driven by economic greed and the desire for expansion, saw Indigenous peoples’ connection to the land as an obstacle. By erasing Indigenous cultures and their understanding of land stewardship, colonizers could justify the exploitation of land, natural resources, and labor. This is why land dispossession, forced assimilation, and cultural erasure have been central tactics used against Indigenous peoples across the globe.
In Australia, the Americas, and Africa, Indigenous and Aboriginal communities were displaced from their lands, their languages were suppressed, and their spiritual practices were often banned. The goal was not only to acquire the land but to sever the people from their knowledge systems and ways of life, ensuring colonial powers could exploit natural resources without resistance.
Black Peoples: A Threat to Colonial Hegemony
Black peoples, particularly those from Africa, were seen as a threat to the colonial world order due to their resilience, cultural diversity, and historical depth. Africa, often referred to as the “Cradle of Civilization,” is where humanity first evolved, and many African peoples maintain deep ancestral knowledge, spiritual practices, and a connection to their heritage.
The slave trade and subsequent exploitation of Black people were central to the development of the Western economy. However, this brutal system was justified through the dehumanization of African and Indigenous peoples, labeling them as “inferior” to maintain control. The colonizers feared the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and spiritual strength of Black communities and, through slavery, racial segregation, and oppressive policies, sought to erase their history and knowledge.
The efforts to dehumanize Black people through slavery and systemic racism were also tied to a broader attempt to sever their connection to Africa, its cultural roots, and its ancient wisdom. Many African civilizations, like the Kingdom of Mali or the Nubians, were centers of learning, spirituality, and advanced social structures. The colonial powers, driven by economic interests, could not afford for these truths to challenge the narrative of European superiority.
Erasure of Cultures and Knowledge
Ultimately, the targeting of Indigenous, Aboriginal, and Black peoples can be seen as part of a broader colonial strategy to erase all cultures and truths that pose a challenge to the Western-centric worldview. The aim was to replace ancient, land-based wisdom with industrialized, capitalist, and imperialist systems that prioritize exploitation over sustainability.
By erasing cultural traditions, spiritual connections, and historical knowledge, colonizers sought to weaken the unity and identity of these peoples, making it easier to control and dominate them. Indigenous peoples’ knowledge of the land, which they had cultivated over millennia, was seen as a barrier to colonization. Likewise, Black peoples’ cultural resilience, historical depth, and spiritual wisdom were seen as potential threats to the established order of racial hierarchies and economic exploitation.
Livity as a Bridge
In a world where race continues to divide us, the concept of livity offers a path forward—one rooted in unity, peace, and holistic well-being. Livity is a Rastafarian philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with nature, respecting all life, and maintaining a connection to spiritual truth. It is a way of being that transcends racial categories and instead encourages people to connect with their shared humanity and the earth.
By incorporating the principles of livity into our conversations about race, we can move beyond the harmful labels of “black” and “white.” Instead of focusing on superficial differences, livity teaches us to value each person’s connection to the divine, to the earth, and to one another. It invites us to look at our common roots, heritage, and the richness of our diverse cultures.
Moving Beyond “Black” and “White”
Livity also encourages us to dismantle the system that upholds these racial divisions. If we begin to see people as more than just “black” or “white” and instead honor their cultural heritage and individuality, we can create communities built on respect, understanding, and shared purpose.
Our focus should shift to acknowledging the full humanity of everyone—reconnecting with our ancestral wisdom, respecting cultural traditions, and fostering a spirit of unity. Whether you’re African, Indigenous, or European, embracing livity reminds us that we all come from the same source and that our differences enrich the human experience rather than divide it.
the targeting of Indigenous, Aboriginal, and Black peoples throughout history can often be traced back to their deep connection to ancestral knowledge, land, and cultural truths. This connection represents not only a historical continuity but also a spiritual and cultural legacy that colonial and imperial powers often saw as a threat to their dominance. Here’s a deeper exploration of why these groups have been targeted:
Preserving Heritage and Truth
This historical context highlights the systemic attempt to disconnect Indigenous, Aboriginal, and Black peoples from their roots, land, and heritage. However, despite these efforts, these communities have continued to resist and preserve their knowledge, cultures, and truths. Understanding this legacy allows us to recognize the power and resilience of these communities and the importance of supporting their efforts to reclaim and protect their heritage.
It’s also crucial to challenge the false narratives that have historically justified this erasure. Promoting livity—a philosophy of unity, respect for nature, and spiritual connection—can be a powerful way to reconnect with these ancient truths and foster healing in a world still grappling with the legacies of colonization and systemic oppression.
Conclusion
The terms “black” and “white” have done more harm than good, fostering division, oppression, and hate where there should be unity. Historically, these labels were created not to describe who we are, but to control and dehumanize. Now, more than ever, we need to move beyond these outdated terms and adopt philosophies, like livity, that promote unity, well-being, and respect for all people. By reconnecting with our true heritage and embracing a holistic way of living, we can create a world that honors our shared humanity.
References
- Wolfe, Patrick. “Settler Colonialism and the Elimination of the Native.” Journal of Genocide Research, vol. 8, no. 4, 2006, pp. 387-409.
This paper discusses how colonialism sought to eliminate Indigenous peoples to acquire land, resources, and political control. - Smith, Linda Tuhiwai. Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples. Zed Books, 2012.
This book explores the relationship between Indigenous peoples, colonization, and the ongoing struggle for cultural survival. - Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 2004.
Fanon’s work examines the psychological and cultural effects of colonization, including the dehumanization of Black and Indigenous peoples. - Kendi, Ibram X. Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. Nation Books, 2016.
Kendi explains how the concept of race was used to create and reinforce systemic oppression against Black and Indigenous communities. - Black, Edwin. War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race. Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003.
This book delves into the eugenics movement in the U.S. and its influence on Nazi racial policies, including the targeting of marginalized groups such as Black, Indigenous, and disabled people. - Lawrence, Bonita. “Real” Indians and Others: Mixed-Blood Urban Native Peoples and Indigenous Nationhood. University of Nebraska Press, 2004.
This work discusses the erasure and targeting of Indigenous peoples as a tool of colonization and forced assimilation. - Dunbar-Ortiz, Roxanne. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States. Beacon Press, 2014.
This book explores the history of settler colonialism in the U.S. and how Indigenous peoples have been systematically oppressed and marginalized. - Yashar, Deborah J. Demanding Democracy: Reform and Reaction in Costa Rica and Guatemala, 1870s-1950s. Stanford University Press, 1997.
Yashar’s work offers a historical analysis of how Indigenous peoples have been targeted and oppressed by colonial and post-colonial regimes. - McCoy, Alfred. Policing America’s Empire: The United States, the Philippines, and the Rise of the Surveillance State. University of Wisconsin Press, 2009.
This book discusses the role of colonial powers in suppressing Indigenous knowledge and practices, drawing parallels between the Philippines and Native American experiences. - Gould, Stephen Jay. The Mismeasure of Man. W. W. Norton & Company, 1996.
This book critiques the scientific racism and eugenics practices that targeted Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized groups under the guise of “racial purity.” - Montagu, Ashley. Man’s Most Dangerous Myth: The Fallacy of Race. AltaMira Press, 1997.
- Templeton, Alan R. “Biological Races in Humans.” Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, vol. 44, no. 3, 2013, pp. 262-271.
- Black, Edwin. War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race. Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003.
- Brace, C. Loring. Race is a Four-Letter Word: The Genesis of the Concept. Oxford University Press, 2005.
- Rastafari Philosophy
