AN APPROACH TO RACE RELATIONS

In: Race: the journal of the Institute of Race Relations, Heft 1, S. 41-52

Abstract

It is suggested that in the study of race relations (RR), 1 particular situation should be focused on. Further, this given situation should be looked at in a variety of diff ways, not necessarily in the order they occur. Historically, the growth of the main factors should be traced & the whole complex structure of the society should be analyzed by a lateral section. Next comes an awareness of the characteristic psychol'al problems of the individuals facing this situation. The contributions of M. Freedman Man, Aug, 1957), M. Banton (See SA A7202), A. Richmond (Man, Aug, 1957) & H. S. Deighton (See SA A7207), on the discipline & range of RR are discussed. It is felt that RR is a field of studies rather than a discipline. 'What is ultimately desirable is a process comparable to the deep analysis of an individual but applied to a whole society.... Freedman has suggested enquiries into those colonial minority pop's which define themselves racially & see themselves only marginally as members of the society they dominate, & Deighton would like to see 'more investigation of the attitude of white peoples.' Monographs are needed on places where RR have been of importance - Fiji, Barbados, Mexico, & others - describing in detail the growth & structure of the society. We also need more res on the part that folk-lore, metaphor, & remnants of old religions play in the formation of the myths about race which contribute to prejudice in GB, & to know more of aboriginal peoples who have not been absorbed. E. Weiman.