Race and national identity Egyptomania



illustration types of mankind, shows copy of egyptian wall painting used show there different types (or species ) of humans far ancient egypt. types uses support theory of polygenesis.


egypt occupies special location in-between historical , geographic regions: according richard white, egypt not placed within africa or asia, or within east or west. therefore, seems if egypt everybody’s past . figure of egypt has been important point of reference in development of national identity in western world, though these processes of identity formation complex , involve many factors. racial identity central these processes, particularly in united states, emerging sense of distinct national identity , increasing conflict on slavery inseparably linked in first half of 19th century. paschal beverly randolph crystallized way in egypt served model new nation when said, america, read africa; united states, egypt (1863). among large variety of ethnic groups formed population of united states common denominator being non-black, being able define oneself utilizing binaristic other. historically, attempt scientifically establish racial hierarchy undertaken american school of ethnology evoked understanding of whiteness natural american national identity. racial identity of egyptian pharaohs used 19th century scientists such samuel george morton , contemporaries confirm contemporary american racial hierarchy. hierarchy served proponents of slavery justify inhuman treatment of slaves , denial of civil rights white americans. types of mankind (1854), culmination of american school racial thinking, contains major chapter on racial characteristics of ancient egyptians, starting controversy still rages today. historians have put forward 3 main hypotheses contradict each other. scientists, historians , anatomists argue whether egyptians white, black or mixture of both. argument draws on aspects such wall paintings or physique of mummies. afrocentrist thinkers in nineteenth century insisted egyptians black africans, making possible provide ancient , noble lineage countered degrading images proliferated racist science , pro-slavery polemic. prominent contributors debate include david walker, james mccune smith, frederick douglass , w. e. b. du bois. identifying enslaved hebrews, african americans had long used biblical exodus narrative encode right , desire freedom, well-known spiritual go down, moses still testifies. david walker s appeal (1829) places biblical story of liberation in tension assertion pharaohs black well. prominent black abolitionists james mccune smith , frederick douglass countered white ethnography directly, example in douglass claims of negro ethnologically considered (1854), drawing findings of earlier european ethnologists such james prichard. @ turn of 20th century, w. e. b. du bois shaped concept of race , identity in yet way writing double consciousness of africans in diaspora , meaning descendants of slaves in united states. concept led twentieth century black nationalist movements.








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