color line

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Explanation of "Color Line"

Definition: The term "color line" refers to a social and legal barrier that separates people based on the color of their skin, particularly between white people and people of color, especially Black individuals. It signifies the discrimination and segregation that has historically prevented Black people from participating fully in various activities alongside white people.

Advanced Usage:

• In academic discussions, the term "color line" can be expanded to include discussions about systemic racism and the ongoing effects of historical segregation on society today.

Word Variants:

• Colorism: A related term that refers to discrimination based on skin tone among people of the same racial group.
• Racial Segregation: A broader concept that includes the separation of people into different groups based on race.

Different Meanings:

• While the primary meaning focuses on racial separation, "color line" can also refer to the metaphorical boundaries in society that limit interactions among different racial or ethnic groups.

Synonyms:

• Racial divide
• Racial boundary
• Segregation line

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Crossing the line": This idiom can imply breaking social norms or barriers, but it is not specifically about race.
• "Draw a line": This means to set boundaries, which can also be applied in discussions about race.

Summary:

The term "color line" is an important concept in discussions about race and social justice. It represents the barriers that have historically divided people based on skin color, particularly in the context of Black and white interactions.

Academic

Noun

1. barrier preventing blacks from participating in various activities with whites

Synonyms

• color bar
• colour bar
• colour line
• Jim Crow