The assertion that individuals of African descent resemble primates is a racist trope, rooted in historical and systemic dehumanization. This comparison is not based on scientific fact but on prejudiced views used to justify discrimination and oppression. It is a harmful stereotype that perpetuates negative perceptions and reinforces societal inequalities.
Such comparisons were employed historically to rationalize the enslavement and subjugation of African people. By associating them with animals, proponents of slavery and later, segregation, sought to deny their humanity and justify their exploitation. This rhetoric continues to have detrimental effects, impacting social perceptions, perpetuating prejudice, and influencing systemic biases in various aspects of life.
