General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Dutch: Traditional, or Racist? [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)They got that dark skin from their African roots. In Spain, when you say 'moro' you mean black, and it's not always a compliment. I think there are racial as well as religious overtones to that denigration.
It doesn't really make sense that a Muslim would be the "friend" (upgraded from slave) to a retired Turkish bishop celebrating a Christian holiday!! All the more reason to unload the black/Moorish "posse" that beats up the bad kids!
"Moorish" people came with the Islamic surge into Europe (most people don't realize that the Muslims got all the way to Germany before they were pushed back). They did manage to achieve quite the foothold in Spain, and this is reflected in the "Moorish" architecture.
Years ago, the Arab or Berber aspect of Moorish heritage may have offered a point of differentiation, but there is no denying the African heritage of those who were called "Moors" back in the old days.