March 2024: Paper of the Month by Tewolde, 2024 – Coloured in South Africa, Black in the United States’: International migrations and different racial classifications

March 2024: Paper of the Month by Tewolde, 2024 – Coloured in South Africa, Black in the United States’: International migrations and different racial classifications.

A recent article by Tewolde, (2024) titled “Coloured in South Africa, Black in the United States’: International migrations and different racial classifications” published in Social Sciences & Humanities Open explores the variability of racial classification between different countries, particularly exemplified by the author’s experiences being classified as ‘Coloured’ in South Africa and ‘Black’ in the US, alongside introducing the concept of ‘regionalizing race’ to understand how migrants navigate racial identities across diverse national contexts.

In the realm of migration studies, the intricacies of racial classification have emerged as a crucial area of exploration, elucidating the nuanced ways in which individuals negotiate their identities across diverse socio-cultural landscapes. This paper delves into the multifaceted nature of racial categorization, juxtaposing the experiences of the author, who is identified as ‘Coloured’ in South Africa and ‘Black’ in the United States, to unveil the intricate interplay of historical, socio-political, and ideological factors that shape the perception and classification of race. Through an autoethnographic lens, the author not only illuminates personal encounters with racialization but also endeavors to advance scholarly discourse by introducing the conceptual framework of ‘regionalizing race’, which underscores how migrants navigate and negotiate their racial identities within the distinct ideological contexts of different nations. By delving into the author’s lived experiences and weaving them into broader theoretical frameworks, this investigation seeks to deepen our understanding of the fluidity and complexity inherent in racial classification, thereby enriching scholarly endeavors aimed at comprehending the dynamics of international migration and identity formation in contemporary society.

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‘Coloured’ in South Africa and ‘Black’ in the United States. -Tewolde (2024)

How the Study was Conducted

This study adopts an autoethnographic approach to investigate the dynamics of racial classification and its implications for individuals navigating transnational spaces. Grounded in the author’s personal experiences as a Semitic-origin individual, the research draws upon lived encounters with racialization in both South Africa and the United States. Through reflective introspection and critical engagement with secondary literature, the author seeks to contextualize and analyze the process of racial classification within broader socio-cultural and historical frameworks.

Furthermore, this study supplements the autoethnographic exploration with comparative analysis, drawing upon the experiences of fellow Semitic-origin Eritreans, Ethiopians, and Somalis residing in the United States. By synthesizing personal narratives with secondary sources, the research aims to discern patterns and variations in racial classification across different national contexts, shedding light on the nuanced ways in which migrants negotiate their racial identities within diverse socio-political landscapes.

The autoethnographic method employed in this study allows for a rich and nuanced exploration of racial classification, transcending conventional research paradigms by intertwining personal narratives with scholarly inquiry. Through this multidimensional approach, the study endeavors to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in racial classification and its implications for individuals traversing transnational boundaries.

What the Author Found

The findings from the study encompass several key insights into the dynamics of racial classification and its implications for individuals navigating transnational spaces:

1. Variability of Racial Classification: The study illuminates how racial classification can vary significantly between different countries, as exemplified by the author’s experiences of being classified as ‘Coloured’ in South Africa and ‘Black’ in the United States. This variability underscores the influence of historical, socio-cultural, and political factors in shaping perceptions of race.

2. Introduction of ‘Regionalizing Race’ Concept: The study introduces the conceptual framework of ‘regionalizing race’, highlighting how migrants are subjected to different racial classifications in various national contexts. By elucidating the role of distinct ideological frameworks in shaping racial perceptions, the research emphasizes the fluidity and contextuality of racial identities.

3. Autoethnographic Analysis: Through the author’s personal experiences and reflections, the study offers a nuanced analysis of racialization processes. By intertwining lived encounters with broader societal contexts and theoretical frameworks, the research provides valuable insights into the complexities of racial classification.

4. Comparative Examination: The study conducts a comparative analysis of the racial experiences of Semitic-origin Eritreans, Ethiopians, and Somalis in the United States. Despite phenotypic variations, these individuals are generally classified as ‘Black’ due to the ‘one-drop rule’, highlighting the role of socio-political ideologies in shaping racial categorization.

Why is this Important

The findings from the study underscore the fluidity, complexity, and contextual nature of racial classification, contributing to a deeper understanding of how individuals negotiate their racial identities within diverse national contexts. Understanding the dynamics of racial classification and its variability across different national contexts is of paramount importance for several reasons. Firstly, it sheds light on the intricacies of identity formation and the ways in which individuals navigate their sense of self within complex socio-cultural landscapes. By elucidating how historical legacies, socio-political ideologies, and systemic biases shape perceptions of race, this research provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of marginalized communities and the challenges they encounter in asserting their identities. Moreover, the introduction of the concept of ‘regionalizing race’ offers a novel framework for analyzing racial dynamics in migration studies, highlighting the need for more nuanced approaches to understanding identity construction. By recognizing the fluidity and contextuality of racial identities, policymakers, educators, and community leaders can develop more inclusive policies and initiatives aimed at fostering social cohesion and combating discrimination. Overall, this research underscores the imperative of interrogating racial classification within broader discourses of power, privilege, and belonging, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and empathetic society.

What the Authors Recommend

The author advocate for a nuanced approach to understanding and addressing the complexities of racial classification and its implications for individuals navigating transnational spaces. Drawing upon their findings, the authors recommend a recognition of the variability of racial classifications between different countries, emphasizing the need for policies and practices that account for this diversity. They propose the adoption of the conceptual framework of ‘regionalizing race’ to better understand how migrants negotiate their racial identities within specific socio-political contexts. Additionally, the authors call for heightened awareness and sensitivity to the fluidity of racial identities, urging policymakers, educators, and community leaders to promote inclusive practices that acknowledge and respect individuals’ self-identification. By embracing a multifaceted understanding of racial classification, the authors suggest that societies can foster greater social cohesion and equitable treatment for all individuals, regardless of their racial backgrounds or migratory trajectories.

In conclusion, Tewolde (2024) delved into the intricate dynamics of racial classification across national borders, drawing from the author’s personal experiences as a Semitic-origin individual classified as ‘Coloured’ in South Africa and ‘Black’ in the United States. Through an autoethnographic lens, Tewolde illuminates the variability of racial categorization, introducing the concept of ‘regionalizing race’ to elucidate how migrants negotiate their racial identities within diverse socio-political landscapes. The study’s comparative analysis, coupled with reflective introspection and theoretical engagement, underscores the fluidity and complexity inherent in racial classification, offering valuable insights into identity formation and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Tewolde’s recommendations for a nuanced understanding of racial classification advocate for inclusive policies and practices, emphasizing the imperative of recognizing and respecting the diversity of racial identities to foster greater social cohesion and equitable treatment in contemporary society.

African Researchers Magazine (2024). March 2024: Paper of the Month by Tewolde, 2024 – Coloured in South Africa, Black in the United States’: International migrations and different racial classifications. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/march-2024-paper-of-the-month-by-tewolde-2024-coloured-in-south-africa-black-in-the-united-states-international-migrations-and-different-racial-classifications/