My third grade class defined
the term "Creoles", as a mixture of ethnic backgrounds
that included: African, French, Spanish, Portuguese, American
Indian and/or West Indies. The peoples' skin color could range
from the lightest "white" to the darkest "black".
Depending on historical events
and/or personal preference, some Creoles chose to "pass"
for "white". As "white", their lives might
be easier and they were often included in more social events.
As "black", they
were often enslaved, with all the degradation and adversity
that went with that position. There were exceptions to these
"rules". There were instances where Creoles who
could "pass", were slaves and conversely, times
where dark skinned slaves could purchase their freedom and
become "free people of color".
Creoles created their own
society that included language, food, architecture, music,
are, dance, and customs.
