The concept of a Malay race was originally proposed by the German scientist Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752–1840), and classified as the brown race. Since Blumenbach, many anthropologists have rejected his theory of five races, citing the enormous complexity of classifying races. The concept of a "Malay race" differs with that of the ethnic Malays centered around Malaysian Malay Peninsula and parts of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
The term Malay race was commonly used in the late 19th century and early 20th century to describe the Austronesian peoples.
Read more about Malay Race: Etymology, The Conception of Malay As A Race, Colonial Influences, Malaysian Context, Philippine Context, Indonesian Context, United States Context
Famous quotes containing the word race:
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”
—C.S. (Clive Staples)