Race and the Victorians

Abstract

These two quotations neatly summarise the main problems associated with Victorian pronouncements on race: that is, their frequent imprecision yet their obvious importance and unpleasant implications. While the words race, racism, ethnocentrism, stereotype and prejudice will be used here according to the modern definitions offered in the editor’s Introduction , it should be borne in mind that nineteenth-century observers generally simply spoke of race and races. Nor did they perceive the same models and patterns of race relations as recent scholars, despite the Victorian passion for elaborate racial and linguistic hierarchies. Instead, race often became merely a vague but potent force; an explanation of differences and antagonisms between human groups, and a concept whose importance was understandably debated by Britons who had little acquaintance with ‘inferior’ races at home but controlled, with minimal numbers, a greatly extended empire overseas.

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