How did European colonizers use systemic racism to justify their cruelty to Indigenous people?
(1 point)
European colonizers believed they were "superior" to no one, which justified their cruelty.
European colonizers molded
the concept of systemic racism to justify their cruelty to Indigenous people. They portrayed themselves as being more advanced and civilized, while dehumanizing and devaluing Indigenous people.
They implemented policies and laws that discriminated against Indigenous people, such as forcibly removing them from their lands, assimilation programs, and forced labor. They portrayed Indigenous people as savage, uncivilized, and in need of "civilizing" through colonization.
European colonizers also used scientific theories, such as Social Darwinism, to justify their actions. They claimed that Indigenous people were biologically inferior and therefore it was their duty to "civilize" and dominate them. This ideological framework allowed them to exploit Indigenous lands and resources without guilt or remorse.
Furthermore, European colonizers used religion to justify their cruelty. They believed it was their religious duty to convert Indigenous people to Christianity and saw themselves as saviors, even though this often involved eradicating Indigenous cultures and traditions.
Overall, systemic racism played a crucial role in justifying and perpetuating the cruelty of European colonizers towards Indigenous people. It allowed them to extract resources, exert control, and maintain their power over Indigenous communities while dehumanizing and marginalizing them.