The American Isolates: The Little Races
- 28 October 1972
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in American Anthropologist
- Vol. 74 (5) , 1295-1306
- https://doi.org/10.1525/aa.1972.74.5.02a00210
Abstract
In order to bring the study of bi‐ and tri‐mixed racial groups in America and elsewhere into the general body of racial theory, it is suggested that such groups be considered “little races” From this point of view, considerations having to do with “racialization” and “de‐racialization” may find a place in a larger frame of reference along with tribalization, detribalization, and processes leading to group differentiation generally. The little races are marginal groups, but not necessarily aggregations of marginal men. They are made aware of themselves as marginal groups as they become objects of scurrilous epithets thrown at them by larger neighboring racial groups. This leads to a search for a name of dignity, a name inherited from “pure” and honorable ancestors. A number of such origin myths are mentioned. Modern ecological, economic, political, and social changes threaten the future of the little races.Keywords
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