The Perception of North Africans in Sub-Saharan Africa and Beyond

The question of whether Sub-Saharan Africans view North Africans as 'white people' is complex and multifaceted. This topic invites a broader discussion on race, ethnicity, and cultural identity, not only within Africa but also across different regions and societies around the world.

Understanding the Term "Sub-Saharan Africa"

The term "Sub-Saharan Africa" is a political construct primarily used to categorize the region south of the Sahara desert. This classification was originally introduced to differentiate the territories involved in the Portuguese slave trade, where individuals south of Senegal were reclassified as 'Negros,' thereby justifying their inclusion in the slave trade.

From a historical perspective, the United States defined people from North Africa as "Free White Persons" in 1870, including those from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, but excluding Arabs from the Ottoman Empire. This categorization reflected political and economic interests rather than a unified understanding of race and ethnicity.

The Perception of North Africans’ Race

However, when it comes to the question of North Africans seeing themselves as 'white,' the answer is not uniform. Some North Africans, particularly those of Arab descent, do identify themselves as 'white' or 'Arab,' often seeking to establish a connection with Western societies. This can be influenced by various factors, including social and economic motivations.

For example, an individual from Morocco residing in the United States expressed a desire to be classified as 'white' by the U.S. census bureau. This desire is not solely based on physical appearance but is also influenced by the social and cultural benefits that come with such a categorization in the U.S. society.

Different Cultural Perceptions

Perceptions of race and ethnicity can vary significantly between different regions and cultures. In Angola, people might not consider North Africans as 'white,' while in the Netherlands, North Africans may be perceived as 'Middle Eastern' rather than 'white.' This underscores the diversity of perspectives and the complex nature of race and ethnicity.

The Categorization Dilemma

There is a growing concern among scholars and activists about the use of terms like "Sub-Saharan Africa." The underlying assumption that everyone in Sub-Saharan Africa perceives race and ethnicity in the same way is often challenged. In reality, the meaning and recognition of race vary widely within the region and even across different countries.

It is important to recognize that skin color and race are not universal categories with the same meaning everywhere. For instance, the perception of North Africans in Morocco might differ significantly from their perception in Senegal or South Africa. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid imposing a single, rigid definition of race on diverse populations.

The categorization of people based on race is a tool that has been used historically for political and economic advantage, rather than reflecting a shared understanding of the human experience. Moving forward, it is essential to develop a more nuanced and inclusive approach to understanding race and ethnicity.