The Curse of Ham.

The article examines the transformation of the biblical narrative surrounding Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the Flood and its implications for racial classifications and justifications of slavery. Initially, the descendants of these sons were associated with different regions: Shem with Asia, Ham with Africa, and Japheth with Europe. Over time, this classification evolved from geographical to racial terms, contributing to the development of modern racism and the concept of the "curse of Ham," which was misinterpreted to justify the enslavement of African peoples. By the late 19th century, as skepticism about the biblical account grew, the curse's use as a justification for slavery diminished, although racism persisted through other means. [Extracted from the article]