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PrevPrevious EpisodeBefore 1978: LDS Policies for Bi-racial Families in Brazil & South Africa
Next ExpisodeDid Pres. McKay Try to Rescind Ban in 1955?Next

Where, When, & Why Did the One-Drop Rule Originate?

In our next conversation, we’re going to talk to Dr. Matt Harris of Colorado State University-Pueblo.  We will talk about the “one-drop rule.”  How is it that Mormons determined blackness, especially if they were biracial families? We’ll also talk about a Supreme Court decision in the 1960s that legalized interracial marriage.

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Matt:  What is interesting about this is that depending on the state, these laws are very fluid in the early 20th century.  I tell my students, we teach civil rights and we talk about this.  In fact, we discuss the book Loving vs. Virginia, which is the Supreme Court case that strikes down these miscegenation laws, declares them unconstitutional.  This is 1967.

But anyway, what’s interesting is that in the early 20th century these miscegenation laws are very fluid.  One state might say it’s one-quarter.  Another state might say it’s one-eighth, or one-sixteenth.  I joke with my students sometimes that on Monday, a black man can marry a white woman because they fit within the parameters of the law, but then they change the law on Wednesday and now it’s no longer constitutional.

Don’t forget to check out our previous conversation with Matt, and you might want to check out our interview with Dr. Paul Reeve, where we talk about where Woodruff incorrectly quotes Brigham Young referring to anyone with “one-drop” of African blood not being eligible for the priesthood.  (The quote is NOT accurate.)  Check out our conversation…..

How do you determine blackness? Is one-drop enough?
How do you determine blackness? Is one-drop enough?

 

https://media.blubrry.com/gospeltangents/p/content.blubrry.com/gospeltangents/156-OneDrop.mp3

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  • Pros & Cons of Race Essay (Part 4 of 7)

Get more information on the people and things discussed in this episode:

  • Guest: Matt Harris
  • Black Mormon History, Racial Priesthood/Temple Ban
  • Historical Mentions B.H. Roberts, Brigham Young, Mormon History
  • Tags: B.H. Roberts, Blacks & LDS Church, Brigham Young, GT Podcast, iTunes, Joseph Fielding Smith. Bruce R. McConkie, miscegenation, one drop rule, priesthood and temple ban, Priesthood ban, Racial Stereotypes

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PrevPrevious EpisodeBefore 1978: LDS Policies for Bi-racial Families in Brazil & South Africa
Next ExpisodeDid Pres. McKay Try to Rescind Ban in 1955?Next
  • Date: May 17, 2018
  • Guest: Matt Harris
  • Black Mormon History, Racial Priesthood/Temple Ban
  • Historical Mentions B.H. Roberts, Brigham Young, Mormon History
  • Tags: B.H. Roberts, Blacks & LDS Church, Brigham Young, GT Podcast, iTunes, Joseph Fielding Smith. Bruce R. McConkie, miscegenation, one drop rule, priesthood and temple ban, Priesthood ban, Racial Stereotypes
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Rick Bennett, Host of Gospel Tangents

Rick Bennett is the friendly, independent historian at the heart of Gospel Tangents LDS Podcast: The Best Source for Mormon History, Science, and Theology. When he isn't interviewing Mormon scholars, prophets, and others, he is teaching math and statistics at Utah Valley University. He also freelances as a research biostatistician in the fields of Dermatology and Traumatic Brian Injuries, as well as in the network television/cable T.V. industries as a sports statistician. Rick holds a Master of Statistics Degree from the University of Utah.

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