Why Some People Consider Italians and Greeks as People of Color, Not White

There is a persistent debate surrounding the racial classification of ancient Italian and Greek people. Some argue that these individuals are considered as People of Color (POC) and not white, while others insist that these groups cannot be simply categorized in such a simplistic manner. This article will delve into the complexities of this issue, drawing on historical and anthropological insights to provide clarity.

Origins of Assumptions

The idea that ancient Italians and Greeks are considered People of Color by some people is often attributed to certain individuals' desperation to claim the heritage of another. It is not uncommon for marginalized communities to assert their historical connections to ancient civilizations, though such claims can sometimes be baseless and motivated by personal ideologies.

There is also a more grounded argument that there is a misconception about the physical appearance of ancient Mediterranean peoples. It is a simple climatic issue; very few individuals born and raised in the Mediterranean region could be as fair-skinned as modern Nordic individuals. Historical evidence and climate conditions suggest that ancient Mediterranean peoples were likely darker skinned than their contemporary counterparts.

Problems in Applying Modern Racial Categories to Ancient Times

A serious flaw in attempts to project modern American racial schemas onto ancient times is the non-existence of such definitions in those periods. The concept of 'white' as we know it today was an invention of late 17th-century America. Ancient societies had their own taxonomies of physical and cultural characteristics, but they did not align with contemporary racial classifications.

It is important to recognize that racial politics is often driven by ignorance and a lack of historical context. Certain liberal scholars have used the skin tone of ancient individuals to distort and proliferate racial identity. For example, some describe ancient figures in terms of modern racial categories, leading to misconceptions. This practice can be seen in the portrayal of biblical figures, such as Jesus, as having a specific skin tone. Such descriptions are often based on flawed logic, confusing the production process of metallic ores with a person's skin color.

The Lack of Racial Categories in Ancient Times

The concept of race as it is understood today is a relatively modern invention. No one was white or black in ancient times; these categories are meaningless in the context of the classical world. The classification we apply to people today is a product of historical and sociopolitical developments that postdate ancient civilizations by centuries.

The color of other people is a point of contention for some individuals, but it is ultimately subjective and can be seen as a product of personal and cultural biases. Understanding the physical appearance of ancient Mediterranean peoples should not be conflated with racial categorization in the modern sense.

Solving the Problem

The best solution to this issue is to recognize that racial politics is not a valid lens through which to view ancient civilizations. Racial categories, as understood today, are a product of modern socio-political dynamics and do not apply to the world of the ancient Mediterranean. By acknowledging this, we can foster a more accurate and respectful understanding of ancient peoples and their contributions to history.

It is important to approach the study of ancient civilizations with an open mind, free from the distortions of modern racial politics. This will allow us to appreciate the rich, complex, and diverse heritage of these ancient societies, free from the constraints of contemporary racial categorization.

Conclusion

While it may seem counterintuitive, the assumption that ancient Italians and Greeks are considered People of Color rests on several misunderstandings and misconceptions. By examining the historical and climatic context of these ancient civilizations and recognizing the limitations of modern racial categories, we can gain a more accurate and nuanced perspective on the physical appearance of these ancient peoples. The key to this understanding lies in the recognition that racial politics is not the appropriate lens through which to view ancient history.

Keywords: Italian heritage, Greek heritage, racial politics, ancient civilizations