Decoded Season 3 Episode 1 The Surprisingly Racist History of "Caucasian"

In the first episode of season 3 of Decoded, titled "The Surprisingly Racist History of 'Caucasian'," the team delves into the history behind the term "Caucasian" and how it became a racial category.

Host Franchesca Ramsey, along with guests including Harvard University professor Nancy Leys Stepan and author Nell Irvin Painter, uncover the origin of the term and how it was used to classify people based on their physical appearance. Despite its common usage today as a synonym for "white," the term actually has roots in the scientific studies of the 18th and 19th centuries, which focused on the study of skulls and the belief in a hierarchy of races.

The episode explores how "Caucasian" was used to differentiate between different groups of people, particularly during the era of European colonialism. It also examines how the concept of race has evolved over time, and the ways in which the language used to describe different racial groups has changed.

Throughout the episode, the team challenges common misconceptions and offers a nuanced perspective on the term "Caucasian," highlighting the ongoing importance of understanding the historical context behind language and the ways in which it can impact our understanding of identity and inequality.

Overall, "The Surprisingly Racist History of 'Caucasian'" is a thought-provoking and informative episode that sheds light on the complexities of racial categories and the ways in which language is used to shape our perceptions of race and ethnicity.