Could be from Ohio Valley, Penn Dutch, I am not sure
2006-09-27 15:30:41 · 10 answers · asked by just want to know 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
According to researcher James Pylant, based on his extensive survey of American families claiming Black Dutch as part of their heritage:
"There are strong indications that the original "Black Dutch" were swarthy complexioned Germans. Anglo-Americans loosely applied the term to any dark-complexioned American of European descent. The term was adopted as an attempt to disguise Indian or infrequently, tri-racial descent. By the mid-1800s the term had become an American colloquialism; a derogative term for anything denoting one's small stature, dark coloring, working-class status, political sentiments, or anyone of foreign extraction."
He also writes:
"In contrast to the Anglo-surnamed Melungeons, nearly 60% of American families reporting Black Dutch tradition bear surnames that are either decidely German or possibly Americanized from Germanic origin." (Pylant, 1997)
German Gypsies are also known as the Black Dutch, and is probably the origin of the term.
2006-09-27 15:34:24 · answer #1 · answered by Linda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an expression for mixed race that some people used around 1800-1870s to explain their darker skin color during a period of time when racial labeling was something that would keep you from owning property - intermarrying, etc... You might be a bit gypsy or black or American Indian and have a 'dutch' ancestor as well and be trying to pass as white.
2006-09-27 22:42:38 · answer #2 · answered by funschooling m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My great grandmother was known as "Black Dutch". I don't think this is as clear as "Black Irish" (who are said to be descendants of the Spanish who were shipwrecked off the coast of Ireland). From what I understand, "Black Dutch" has several different meanings. Do a google search on "Melungeons". You'll find it very interesting.
2006-09-27 22:41:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The term has various meanings. Check this site for lots of information on the subject.
http://www.geocities.com/mikenassau/BlackDutch.htm
2006-09-27 22:32:26 · answer #4 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means the Romans at one time invaded Holland.....
2006-09-27 22:34:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coal miner
2006-09-27 22:33:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow, Mom Knows Everything. I thought it was a trick question, but actually learned something. Thanks to both of you.
2006-09-28 02:09:54 · answer #7 · answered by Laughing Libra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you ask your grandmother to explain what the hell she is dumb ***.
2006-09-28 09:47:09 · answer #8 · answered by marie j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she is black... Origin
2006-09-27 22:34:27 · answer #9 · answered by 100Hertz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well black irish are from the spanish armada invading ireland...maybe the same for the netherlands??? dunno.
2006-09-27 22:34:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋