Critique [of The Use of the Terms "Negro" and "Black" to Include Persons of Native American Ancestry in "Anglo" North America by Jack D. Forbes]

Authors

John M. Hunnicutt

Orginal Publication Date

1984

Journal Title

Explorations in Ethnic Studies

Volume

7

Issue

ees/vol7/iss2

First Page

23

Last Page

25

Abstract

The article is well written and researched. The author has searched the literature pertaining to blacks and Indians and found that there are many cases of confused and deliberate distortions. These distortions had and have a profound impact on the way we behave. Many examples of the use of overgeneralization are given. The reasons for this behavior are complex and varied. As an example we find the white Virginians agitating for the termination of the Gingaskin Indian Reservation in Northampton County. Forbes cites the reason for this agitation as the area was an "asylum for free negroes" and the presence of Indians was small if any. The date for this event is given as 1780.

Rights

Copyright, ​©EES, The National Association for Ethnic Studies, 1984