Unlocking Humanity: Why the Key to a Post-Racial Future May Lie in Antiquity

Abstract

While race did not exist until at least the 15th century an examination of the events between A.D. 1 and its development, reveals the impact: evolution, identity, trade, technology, migration, and skin color had on the concept. Since it was initially conceived the concept of race has been used to create a hierarchy of groups and justify different forms of oppression. The idea that racial tolerance can heal wounds created by hundreds of years of discrimination and prejudice contrasts with the notion that colorblindness is key to achieving a post-racial future. What’s interesting is that for most of human existence character was more important than skin color and race did not influence an individual’s life chances. When we neglect telling the entire history of humanity including the events leading up to the development of the concept of race, it's harder to see a future where groups who have historically faced prejudice and discrimination can defend themselves, while simultaneously rejecting categorization.