Question

What is the historical background of the term Caucasian and why is it commonly used to refer to white people?

Answer 1

It refers to the caucasus mountains. The correct term for 'caucasian' or 'white' people is 'european'. The reason that europeans are called caucasians is because a scientist (I think 19th century) falsely stated that the people of the caucasus mountains best represent european people. That falsehood still lives on today in the word caucasian.

Answer 2

for the same reason black folk is called african american

Answer 3

The previous answer is correct.

Answer 4

We use it to describre white people because it doesnt sound racist like if someone said:. . The white girl is very mean. . . IT kinds sounds racist but if u say. . The caucasion girl is very mean. it sounds better

Answer 5

Caucus mountain is where the white folks started their civilization.

Answer 6

"The term Caucasian race, Caucasian or Caucasoid is used to refer to people whose ancestry can be traced back to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and parts of Central Asia. It was once considered a useful taxonomical categorization of human racial groups based on a presumed common geographic and/or linguistic origin...."

Answer 7

i heard it had something to do with the caucasus Mountains in southwestern Russia.