Rough Draft – Assignment 1

Race Amalgamation

In August of 1896, Frederick Ludwig Hoffman published a book called “Race Traits and Tendencies of the American Negro” for the American Economic Association. Included in this book was a chapter titled “Race Amalgamation” where Hoffman argues against the idea of race amalgamation, or racial interbreeding. Hoffman believes that if whites and blacks have children together, then the children will suffer from extensive health problems. Hoffman relied on data produced by other social scientists to attempt to prove his point, because he was not a trained social scientist himself. The data he used is considered heavily incorrect by today’s standards because most of it was guided by scientific racism. Hoffman is most likely writing to an audience of his peers, including people who work in the insurance industry. This is proven by the fact that his book was published for the American Economic Association.

Hoffman’s main argument is that race amalgamation is detrimental to whites and blacks because it results in children with serious health issues. Hoffman wants to convince others that race amalgamation is a bad idea, and he does this by scaring his readers. At first glance, it appears that Hoffman is using, or attempting to use, logic to convince his readers that he is right through data tables and examples. When one reads the text more closely however, it becomes clear that Hoffman’s evidence is questionable at best. The data tables and other evidence are confusing and do not really seem to connect to Hoffman’s main point. What Hoffman does well is invoke fear in his reader. He writes of the prostitution and concubinage of colored women, the health complications of children with interracial parents, and the marital issues that face interracial couples. Family is a heavily valued thing in this period of American history, and Hoffman wants his readers to believe that race amalgamation will destroy families. He is claiming if a white person marries a black person it will hurt their children, and it will ruin their relationships. This is going to resonate with his audience because they do value their families and fear is a good motivator. Moreover, the confusing way in which the evidence is presented is going to elevate this fear.