1. How do you see these primary sources as examples of race as a social construct? Using these primary documents and your readin
gs in the textbook, can you see differences amongst Europeans as to how they view New World races? (ex: the French vs. the Spanish). How did the introduction of African slaves impact the issue of race in the Americas?
Answer: These primary sources show how race is viewed as a social construct because the dictionary definition explains black and white just how some people view them today. For example, everyone knows that when you are passing someone in a grocery store aisle, you pass them on the right side. Just like people have a set view of all races. They automatically assume we are different because of the color of our skin. The introduction of African slaves brought war to the Americas. It is a difficult topic to speak on because it seems like no matter what you say, someone will be offended. We can easily see how black slaves were treated back then if we dig into our history, and we can see how African Americans are treated today. The introduction of African slaves still has an impact on the issue of race in the Americas today. The Europeans created the idea that the white European race was superior to the African Americans. The Europeans viewed new world races as an opportunity for slaves and an opportunity to have farmhands. The repercussions of their choices are still affecting us today.
