Racism is Built on a Big Fat Lie Pt. 1: Blood Quantum and the One Drop Rule
Think back to when you were a kid. Remember when you’d be playing a game and you were about to make an epic power move or even win the game, and the person you were playing with would suddenly shout, “I HAVE A FORCE FIELD!” They knew they were about to lose, so they changed the rules or made up a new one to make sure they could win. Remember how frustrating that was?
That, my friends, is what racism is: Made up rules to keep the same people (the ones in the dominant culture) always winning.
In today’s episode, we’re starting the first part of a two-part series where we’re breaking down some of the big, obvious examples that show just how big of a lie racism is built on, starting this week with blood quantum and the one drop rule. In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How race is the product of racism, not the root of it.
- What it means to be part of the “dominant culture.”
- The history of determining social status.
- What the “one drop rule” and “blood quantum” are and how they are used as a tool in white supremacy.
Juneteenth Jubilee
Juneteenth is coming up month, and we have an exciting program to help you celebrate! Juneteenth Jubilee is our program that gives you everything you need to have a meaningful Juneteenth celebration dinner.
It includes a cookbook, a cooking show with my dad, a meal planner, reflection questions and more! Trust me, this is something your family is going to want — both for the yummy food and for the impactful conversations.
Click the button below to get it today!
Articles, Studies & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode
First Name Basis Podcast Season 3, Episode 26: “What is Juneteenth and How Can I Celebrate?”
First Name Basis Podcast Season 3, Episode 29: “Critical Race Theory In School”
First Name Basis Podcast Season 2, Episode 14: “What is Privilege and What Do I Do With It?”
First Name Basis Podcast Season 5, Episode 5: “Raising Mult-Racial Children” with Dr. Jenn Noble
Learn more about Ally Elementary and join the waitlist at firstnamebasis.org/allyelementary.
“People Are Angry President Trump Used This Word to Describe Undocumented Immigrants,” by Abigail Simon, Time
“Trump: ‘Animals’ comment referred to MS-13 gang members,” by Rebecca Morin, Politico
“Immigrants Contribute Greatly to U.S. Economy, Despite Administration’s ‘Public Charge’ Rule Rationale,” the Center on Budget and Policy
Article about John Punch on Thirteen.org
“How the ‘One Drop Rule’ Became a Tool of White Supremacy” by Yaba Blay
“Hypodescent: The ‘One Drop Rule’”
“‘One Drop Rule’ Persists” by Steve Bradt
The Code Switch Podcast, “So What Exactly is “Blood Quantum?”
All My Relations Podcast, “Love in the Time of Blood Quantum”
“The ‘One Drop Rule’ in America, a story”
Song credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN
