Difference in hue and hair is old. But the belief in the preeminence of hue and hair, the notion that these factors can correctly organize a society and that they signify deeper attributes, which are indelible—this is the new idea at the heart of these new people who have been brought up hopelessly, tragically, deceitfully, to believe that they are white.
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an American journalist, award-winning and bestselling author, blogger, and speaker. His work addresses social, political, and cultural issues, especially on the issues of race.