Introduction
The topic of racial prejudice and the period of slavery in the history of the United States are highly debated, with many people offering their insights and uncovering new stories and perspectives. In her 1990 article, “Slavery, Race and Ideology in the United States of America,” Barbara Jeanne Fields focuses on the experiences of enslaved people who were subject to abuse by white people. Through her analysis, Fields argues that the concepts of race and racial prejudice are socially constructed and have been sustained for personal advantage.
Key Moment of Interest in the Article
Race as an Ideology
In the article, Fields incorporated wisdom in addition to historical accounts. The one quote that significantly influenced me is: “Race is not an idea but an ideology” (Fields 101). According to the author, such an ideology began “at a discernible historical moment for rationally understandable historical reasons and is subject to change for similar reasons” (Fields 101). These quotes are powerful because they demonstrate that people used the concept of race to their advantage, attributing labels of superiority and inferiority. The reason why the enslaved African people were seen as inferior and were subject to oppression was because white people deemed it normal and necessary.
Racism as a Social Construct
What is additionally interesting is that Fields supports the claim that “racial prejudice cannot be genetically programmed” since race itself does not exist and is a mere social construct (Fields 101). Thus, through her arguments and views, Fields demonstrates that, similar to race not being a fundamental concept, being prejudiced has been a sustained practice as well. However, it can be unlearned just the way it was learned in the first place.
Conclusion
Hence, according to Fields, the ideas of race and racial discrimination are social constructs that have been upheld for individual gain. Since white people accepted it as natural and essential, enslaved Africans were treated as inferior and subjected to oppression. Fields explains via her arguments and points of view that prejudice has been a long-standing practice, just as race is not an accurate idea.
Work Cited
Fields, Barbara Jeanne. “Slavery, Race and Ideology in the United States of America.” New Left Review, vol. 181, no. 1, 1990, pp. 95-118. Web.