AFRICANA STUDIES FINAL
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School
Rutgers University *
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Course
203:014
Subject
History
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by ChancellorWalrus2056
Name: Harsh Vasoya
1.
Explain two ways in which the scholarship of Ivan Van Sertima has challenged the
dominant myths/stereotypes regarding Africa. Cite specific examples to support your
answer (one third of a page)
Answer: Ivan Van Sertima was a highly regarded scholar who devoted his career to the study of
African history and culture, challenging misconceptions about Africa in two significant ways.
Firstly, he disputed the commonly held belief that Africa had not made any substantial
contributions to world civilization. He did this by emphasizing the technological advancements,
scientific discoveries, and cultural innovations of African civilizations. Additionally, he
presented evidence in his book "They Came Before Columbus" to counter the myth that
Columbus discovered America, highlighting the presence of Africans in the Americas before
Columbus. Secondly, Van Sertima challenged the Eurocentric perspective of history that
dominated academic discourse, advocating for Afrocentrism instead. He aimed to put African
history and culture at the forefront of the narrative of world history by highlighting the
accomplishments and contributions of African civilizations. For instance, his book "Egypt: Child
of Africa" challenged the idea that ancient Egypt was influenced by Greek or Middle Eastern
cultures, arguing instead that it was an African civilization. Through his scholarship, Van Sertima
played a crucial role in promoting a more accurate and nuanced understanding of African history
and culture by challenging conventional myths and stereotypes about Africa.
2.
What two main factors contributed to whether a colony achieved independence via a
relatively smooth political transition, or through military conflict? Cite examples of
particular colonies to support your answer. (one third of a page)
Answer: A colony's independence is influenced by two key factors: the level of political
awareness among the population and the colonial power's willingness to grant independence.
India gained independence peacefully due to high political awareness and Britain's willingness to
negotiate. In contrast, Algeria achieved independence through military conflict because of low
political consciousness and French resistance. Kenya achieved independence through a
combination of peaceful negotiation and armed struggle. These examples show that political
awareness and the colonial power's stance determine whether independence is achieved
peacefully or through conflict.
3.
What was apartheid? Provide an example of international anti-apartheid activism against
the South African apartheid government. (one quarter page)
Answer: Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation enforced by South
Africa's government from 1948 to 1994. Different racial groups, including White, Black,
Colored, and Indian, were forced to live separately, with Black South Africans experiencing the
harshest restrictions. International anti-apartheid activism involved boycotting South Africa
economically, culturally, and academically. The United Nations condemned apartheid in the
1960s and established the Special Committee Against Apartheid in 1973. Many countries,
including the US, Canada, and some European nations, imposed economic sanctions on South
Africa, extending to sports events. This pressure led to the release of Nelson Mandela from
prison in 1990 and the end of apartheid, paving the way for a democratic government in South
Africa.
4.
Explain the process by which the institutionalization of slavery took place legally and
politically in early America, using information from the first 30 minutes of the video
documentary The Terrible Transformation and/or the Takaki article in the Modules page.
(about Half a page double spaced). (half page)
Answer: The process of institutionalizing slavery in early America involved a complex set of
laws, policies, and practices that began in the early 1600s when African slaves were brought to
Virginia. As demand for labor increased, slave owners viewed slavery as a more profitable and
permanent solution, leading to the legal and political process of institutionalizing slavery. Laws
were passed that defined slavery as a lifelong, inheritable status and prohibited interracial
marriage and sexual relations between whites and blacks. The transatlantic slave trade played a
crucial role in bringing more slaves to the colonies. As slavery became more entrenched in
society, racist ideologies were developed to justify its existence, including the idea that Africans
were inherently inferior. Today, the legacy of slavery is still felt in the ongoing struggle for racial
justice and equality.
5.
What is constitutional patriotism, and when did King display it during the Selma to
Montgomery March? (a paragraph)
Answer: Constitutional patriotism is the idea that a shared commitment to constitutional
principles and values, rather than ethnic or cultural identity, should form the basis of national
unity. It emphasizes the importance of civic duty and the rule of law, and it recognizes that the
principles enshrined in a constitution should be continuously reinterpreted and renewed to meet
the changing needs of society. During the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, Martin Luther
King Jr. displayed constitutional patriotism by appealing to the principles of the U.S.
Constitution and using them to challenge the discriminatory practices that denied African
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Americans their basic rights. In his speeches and actions, King sought to highlight the gap
between the ideals of the Constitution and the reality of racial inequality in America, and he
called on the government to live up to its constitutional obligations to protect the rights of all
citizens. By using the Constitution as a tool for social change, King demonstrated his
commitment to constitutional patriotism and helped to inspire a new generation of civil rights
activists.
6.
Describe the role that the media played during the Civil Rights Movement. (a quarter
page)
Answer: The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was significantly impacted by the
media, as it played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and bringing attention to the
injustices faced by African Americans. The movement's protests, marches, and other events were
extensively documented and publicized through various mediums such as television, radio,
newspapers, and magazines. This coverage helped to raise awareness of the cause of racial
equality, featuring events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the
Selma to Montgomery marches. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. used the media to
communicate their message to a broader audience, despite some negative portrayals of civil
rights activists and instances of sensationalized coverage. The media has remained a crucial tool
for social justice movements, both in the past and present.
7.
List five of the many talents, achievements and/or contributions of Paul Robeson. Then,
describe one challenge that he faced in his life, and how he overcame it. (one third of a
page)
Answer: Paul Robeson was a gifted individual who made notable achievements in various
domains, including entertainment, civil rights advocacy, and international diplomacy. Among his
many talents, he acted in films like "Show Boat" and "The Emperor Jones" and was the first
African American actor to play Othello on Broadway. Additionally, he was a celebrated singer
who performed diverse musical genres, including spirituals, jazz, and folk, in multiple languages.
Robeson used his fame to champion civil rights and equal treatment for all. He was also a
distinguished scholar, graduating from Rutgers University as valedictorian and earning a law
degree from Columbia University. Moreover, Robeson was a global diplomat, traveling
extensively to promote peace and cooperation between nations. Despite facing severe
persecution during the McCarthy era in the US, Robeson remained steadfast in his principles and
continued to speak out against injustice. His international performances continued to receive
warm welcomes, and his activism played a role in changing the political climate of the country.
Through his unwavering determination, Paul Robeson overcame the McCarthyism challenge and
made valuable contributions to society.
Longer Essay Question (worth 25% of this final exam): Identify, describe, and explain
in detail, from a historical perspective, four major differences between race and slavery in
Brazil, and race and slavery in United States. (minimum page length one full page)
Race and slavery have played a critical role in shaping the history and development of
Brazil and the United States. Despite having some similarities in their experiences, there are
significant differences that set them apart. This essay highlights four major differences between
race and slavery in Brazil and the United States: their historical origins, legal abolition, racial
hierarchy, and post-abolition legacy.
The historical origins of race and slavery in Brazil and the United States differ
significantly. While Brazil's slavery began in the early 16th century, with the Portuguese
importing millions of enslaved Africans to work on their sugar plantations, the United States'
slavery started much later, in the early 17th century, with the British importing hundreds of
thousands of enslaved Africans to work on their tobacco plantations. The legal abolition of
slavery also differed, with Brazil being the last country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish
slavery, officially ending it in 1888, while the United States abolished slavery in 1865, following
the Civil War. The racial hierarchy of Brazil and the United States is also different. Brazil has a
complex racial hierarchy that reflects its history of colonization and slavery, resulting in a
diverse and mixed population. While Brazil still experiences racism and discrimination, it has a
strong culture of racial mixing and acceptance of racial diversity. In contrast, the United States
has a more rigid racial hierarchy, with people of African descent historically being at the bottom
of the hierarchy. The country's history of segregation and discrimination, particularly in the Jim
Crow era, has resulted in a less racially diverse society than Brazil.
Lastly, the post-abolition legacy of slavery and race in Brazil and the United States
differs. Brazil has a legacy of racial mixing, which has led to a more inclusive and diverse
society. However, the country still struggles with poverty, inequality, and discrimination,
particularly against people of African descent. In contrast, the United States has a legacy of
segregation, discrimination, and violence against people of African descent. Although the Civil
Rights Movement made significant progress in ending legal segregation, racism and
discrimination continue to be major issues in the country today.
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In conclusion, race and slavery have been significant issues in the histories of Brazil and
the United States, shaping their development and social structures. While both countries have
made progress in addressing these issues, there is still much work to be done to ensure equality
and justice for all. Recognizing the differences between their experiences is critical in
understanding the complexities of race and slavery in these countries and working towards a
more equitable future.