Africans Quote by Nell Irvin Painter
“In places like Germany or France the idea of black-white is not so much black-white but "our people and them," and "them" can be people from the near east like Turks or Muslims or North Africans, all of whom might well be considered white in the United States.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The History of White People in America” by Nell Irvin Painter, 2010
The quote highlights how racial categories shift across societies, turning a binary black‑white view into an “us versus them” distinction that can include groups considered white elsewhere.
In simple terms: Racial labels change with context, creating an “us vs them” mindset.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge shifting racial boundaries.
Themes
race
identity
social categorization
us vs them
perception
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- immigration policy
- community relations
- education curricula
- media representation
Key Concepts
social construct
othering
ethnicity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define “us” and “them” in your community?
- What impact does this have on inclusion?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex identities into binary oppositions.
