ANT100Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Semiotics, Racialization, Ferdinand De Saussure
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Reality is not given by nature; results from interaction with nature, etc. Language = one kind of sign system. Semiotics = how signs construct our world (symbols) Form of signs: signifier and signified (basic elements) 3 kinds of signs: icon, symbol, index. Unravel/deconstruct social construction of invented, real categories (i. e. race, national identity, gender) Discover genealogy: what in history makes them possible (result of history) Work precedes any advice anthropologists can give on what is right or correct. Race doesn"t derive directly from natural facts, but is the product of racialization. Almost any group characteristic can be racialized. Animal breeders talked about races (breeds) -> group = imagined to have common descent. 19th century: race was mostly based on skin colour. Latest races: brown, east european in britain (polish; brexit) Ivan"s roast/ramble on trump, polish people, brexit. Racialization always goes together with conflict and power relations -> generalizations.
