Aryan race

The word Aryan was originally used in various Indo-Iranian languages with a meaning roughly similar to "noble" or "honorable", and was sometimes used by the speakers of these languages to refer to themselves.

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In the 19th century, the term was used a synonym for "Indo-European" and also more restrictively, to refer to the Indo-Iranian languages, and later arose a nation propagated most assiduously by the Conte de Gobineau and later by his disciple Houston Stewart Chamberlain, of an "Aryan race", those who spoke Indo-European languages.

Related Topics:
Indo-European - Conte de Gobineau - Houston Stewart Chamberlain

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Since then the word has also been used by various European and Indian nationalist and racist movements, most notably in the ideology of the National Socialist German Workers Party (Nazi) Party, to refer to a supposed "master race" claimed to consist of those of Northern European descent.

Related Topics:
European - India - Nationalist - Racist - National Socialist German Workers Party - Nazi - Master race - Northern European

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Largely because of this association with Nazi and imperialist racism the word "Aryan" is now somewhat, much like the Hindu symbol of the swastika, tainted and considered taboo in European and North American culture. However because it continues to be in use by many non-racists, especially in South Asia and Iran, one should never assume that the term "Aryan" appearing by itself necessarily denotes racism or white supremacy.

Related Topics:
Racism - Hindu - Swastika - Taboo - North American - South Asia - Iran

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Support for the superiority of the Aryan race is sometimes referred to as Aryanism. This should not be confused with the unrelated religious belief known as Arianism.

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