IWhat was true of the one-drop rule? - Answers

The one-drop rule was a social and legal principle in the United States that classified anyone with even one ancestor of African descent as black, regardless of their appearance or the proportion of their African ancestry. This rule was rooted in the historical context of racial segregation and discrimination, reinforcing the idea of racial purity among white populations. It significantly impacted social identity, legal rights, and the treatment of individuals in society, contributing to systemic racism and the marginalization of mixed-race individuals. The one-drop rule has largely been discredited but still influences discussions about race and identity.