The term “negro” has a complex history in the English language and legal terminology. The definition found in Black’s Law Dictionary provides insight into how this term was viewed from a legal perspective in earlier eras. Examining the Black’s Law definition enables greater understanding of how notions of race and identity have evolved in the legal system over time.
Background on Black’s Law Dictionary
Black’s Law Dictionary is a widely used legal reference book that provides definitions for legal terms and concepts. First published in 1891, it is now in its 11th edition. Earlier editions of Black’s reflected the norms and attitudes of the time periods in which they were written. As societal views have changed, the publishers of Black’s have revised entries to align with contemporary standards. Nonetheless, consulting older versions can shed light on how certain ideas and language were previously conceptualized in the legal field.
The Definition of Negro in Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Edition
The second edition of Black’s Law Dictionary was published in 1910. Here is the full entry for the term “negro” in that edition:
| Negro | A black man, one descended from the African race. The term “negro” does not include a mulatto or person of mixed blood, nor an Indian or Chinaman. State v. Chavers, 50 La. Ann. 448, 23 South. 494; Dean v. Commonwealth, 4 Grat. (Va.) 541. But see Gentry v. McMinnis, 3 Dana (Ky.) 382; State v. Davis, 2 Bail. (S. C.) 558. |
This definition reflects the racial attitudes and social taxonomy of the early 20th century. A few key points stand out:
– It defines “negro” racially, as descending from the “African race.” This reflects the once-common view that humanity could be divided into distinct biological races.
– It contrasts negroes with other non-white groups like “mulattoes,” Indians, and Chinese. So “negro” was seen as a label for one specific racial category rather than a broad term for non-white or non-European individuals.
– It references court cases that grappled with the boundaries of the term’s meaning. There was debate about whether mixed-race individuals could be classified as negroes or not.
Assessing the Black’s Law Definition by Modern Standards
Viewed through a modern lens, the second edition’s definition of “negro” is highly problematic:
– Referring to African ancestry as a “race” is scientifically inaccurate. Contemporary experts view race as a social construct rather than a biological taxonomic category.
– Defining negroes in opposition to other groups reflects outdated notions of racial purity and separatism. This fails to recognize the extensive genetic diversity within continental groups.
– The definition reduces identity to a singular label determined only by ancestry. Today, personal identity is understood to be multifaceted and self-determined.
– The references to court cases illustrate how the law previously regulated racial boundaries in ways we now consider unethical. Segregation-era laws limited rights and opportunities based on racist categorization.
So while the 1910 definition may have been conventional for its era, it promoted ideas of race that modern society has rightly rejected. Its biases make it inappropriate for informing current legal analysis or decisions.
The Modern Definition of Negro in Black’s Law Dictionary
The definition of “negro” has evolved significantly in subsequent editions of Black’s Law Dictionary. Here is the entry from the 11th edition published in 2019:
| Negro | A member of a racial group of African origin . • In the 1960s, usage of the term to refer to Black Americans came to be considered offensive. The preferable term is Black. |
This modern definition differs starkly from the original:
– It eschews notions of biological race, simply describing “negro” as a broad racial group of African origin.
– It does not contrast negroes with other minority groups or grapple with degrees of racial mixture.
– It acknowledges that “negro” became an offensive term and that “Black” is more appropriate in current parlance.
This reflects how both scientific understanding and social norms regarding race have profoundly shifted over the past century. The revised entry aligns with contemporary sensitivities and knowledge.
The Complex Legacy of the Term Negro
While the original Black’s definition promoted outdated and harmful racial constructions, the term “negro” itself has a complex legacy:
– It was an official government classification on documents like census forms and birth certificates for decades, before being replaced by “Black” and “African American” in the 1970s.
– From the late 1800s through 1960s, “negro” was widely viewed as the respectful and proper term, as opposed to more overtly racist labels. This explains its usage by historic civil rights leaders.
– Many older Black Americans who grew up with “negro” continue to use the term as a cultural identifier. Others reject it as a hurtful relic of racism.
So assessments of the term cannot be simplistic. Its shifting social connotations illustrate how language evolves along with cultural consciousness and identity.