half-caste

The term "half-caste" is considered offensive and refers to a person of mixed racial descent. Historically, in many societies, racial and social hierarchies were established based on criteria such as descent, religion, and language, rather than solely on physical characteristics.12

In Latin America, the concept of mestizaje (mixture) describes the blending of populations, primarily European, African, and Indigenous peoples. While some nations promoted "whitening" through European immigration, others began to officially recognize and celebrate cultural and ethnic plurality, particularly in response to Indigenous and Black activism. Despite these shifts, ideas about descent and appearance continue to influence social identities, and racial inequality persists.3