Read on Twitter
thread of why people use the term Caucasian incorrectly
Caucasian is a GEOGRAPHICAL term used to describe people who inhabit regions surrounding the Caucasus such as Armenians, Georgians, etc.
from @/azadelilah on ig
Caucasian is a colonized term in history. In the 18th century, German anatomist Johann Blumenbach traveled to the Caucasus and coined the racial classification of the word Caucasian. According to him, all light-skinned peoples were to be called Caucasian,
and the notion of ‘whiteness’ was created. Blumenbach’s notion of race was denoted by Georgian skull shape, which he deemed as “beautiful” and conflated with skin color. This system was taken on by the US and thus began the use of ‘Caucasian’ in today’s context (White).
Notice how the North American definition of the term is used interchangeably with whiteness, but the actual definition is the one I explained earlier.
Everyone misuses this word as they are uneducated about the topic, however I encourage all of you to separate this association between whiteness and the word Caucasian. By using the two words interchangeably, you are erasing the complexity of many cultures and ethnicities.
super important thread to read!! https://twitter.com/kavakian9/status/1288651045082738689
Another great post from Instagram (@/diversifyyournarative) on why “Caucasian” does not mean White:
Here’s a map of ethnic groups that inhabit the Caucasus region!
Here’s a video for an easy explanation:
