Title
Myths of Harmony: Race and Republicanism during the Age of Revolution, Colombia, 17951831 (Pitt Latin American Series, 349),Used
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This book centers on a foundational moment for Latin American racial constructs. While most contemporary scholarship has focused the explanation for racial toleranceor its lackin the colonial period, Marixa Lasso argues that the key to understanding the origins of modern race relations are to be found later, in the Age of Revolution. Lasso rejects the common assumption that subalterns were passive and alienated from Creoleled patriot movements, and instead demonstrates that during Colombia's revolution, free blacks and mulattos (pardos) actively joined and occasionally even led the cause to overthrow the Spanish colonial government. As part of their platform, patriots declared legal racial equality for all citizens, and promulgated an ideology of harmony and fraternity for Colombians of all colors. The fact that blacks were mentioned as equals in the discourse of the revolution and later served in republican government posts was a radical political departure. These factors were instrumental in constructing a powerful myth of racial equalitya myth that would fuel revolutionary activity throughout Latin America. Thus emerged a historical paradox central to Latin American nationbuilding: the coexistence of the principle of racial equality with actual racism at the very inception of the republic. Ironically, the discourse of equality meant that grievances of racial discrimination were construed as unpatriotic and divisive actsin its most extreme form, blacks were accused of preparing a race war. Lasso's work brings muchneeded attention to the important role of the anticolonial struggles in shaping the nature of contemporary race relations and racial identities in Latin America.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Myths of Harmony'? A: The book explores the origins of modern race relations in Colombia during the Age of Revolution, emphasizing the active participation of free blacks and mulattos in the struggle for independence and the paradox of racial equality amidst ongoing racism.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Myths of Harmony'? A: The author is Marixa Lasso, who provides an in-depth analysis of racial constructs in Latin America.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 216 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: When was 'Myths of Harmony' published? A: The book was published on August 6, 2007.
- Q: Is 'Myths of Harmony' a new or used book? A: This listing is for a new condition book.
- Q: What is the significance of the Age of Revolution in the context of the book? A: The Age of Revolution is significant as it marks a foundational moment for racial constructs in Latin America, where the ideology of legal racial equality was promoted even as racism persisted.
- Q: Does the book discuss the role of free blacks in Colombian history? A: Yes, the book highlights how free blacks and mulattos were not passive but actively participated in the revolutionary movements against Spanish colonial rule.
- Q: What is the target audience for this book? A: The book is targeted towards scholars, students, and anyone interested in Latin American history, race relations, and revolutionary studies.
- Q: What edition of the book is being offered? A: This listing is for the first edition of 'Myths of Harmony'.