Race and the Illusion of Harmony

Abstract

This chapter describes the history of race and racism in the community. Racialization is the process of assigning people to groups based on physical or cultural characteristics, which helps create the perception of inferior or socially unequal groups. Race emerged as a social classification by which to create “otherness” in much the same way that the concept of savagery developed. Pike County could be a place where one could learn and teach about racial harmony. The situation in nineteenth-century Pike County was not as peaceful and harmonious as many want to believe. The strong public animosity of Pike County and Illinois residents toward blacks could not have made the place comfortable for African Americans in New Philadelphia, or for those who wanted to settle in the area. There was a significant opportunity in Pike County to develop a plan and discuss racism in the community.