Evolution of Race

Amanda Osborne

COR 210-05

Cyndi Brandenburg

11 December 2008

Darwin Revelation

            Over the course of Scientific Revolutions, I have studied the works of Charles Darwin and his theories of evolution.  Through these studies, I have come to the revelation that one should feel foolish to even begin to discriminate against another race.  To claim one race as being “better” than another is ludicrous based upon Darwin’s theory of evolution and how we came to be different from each other.

            Ernst Mayr writes that Darwin disapproved the theory of individual creationism and strongly believed that all humans descended from a common ancestor (Appleman, 23).  The National Academy of Sciences states that Darwin explained that when a species, such as humans, becomes geographically separated, they become genetically different through processes such as natural selection (Appleman, 292).  The findings of Darwin can be applied to the human race to explain why variations such as skin color are found amongst us. 

            It is thought to be that the first humans originated in Africa, an area of intense sun exposure.  Because of the brutality of the sun in this region, these humans had very dark skin, which acted as a means of protection from the sun’s rays.  As humans began to migrate to various regions in the world, such as Europe or Asia, their skin color began to change with each new generation.  As humans traveled further away from Africa, and the equator, it was unnecessary for them to pertain the dark skin complexion that was once needed.  The reason why skin color changed can be proven through Darwin’s studies of natural selection.         

            Natural selection is a term used to describe the genetic differences of a species from generation to generation.  These genetic differences from one generation to another are beneficial, and often times necessary, for the species and helps improve survival rates.  For humans, it can be applied to the explanation of why there are different races in existence today.  We all have different skin colors because it is what was most beneficial to our previous ancestors based upon their geographical inhabitance.

            Based on this knowledge of the evolution of human race, I have come to the revelation that it is indeed foolish for one to judge someone based upon his/her race.  Darwin has proved that we are all indeed from the same ancestor and therefore any qualities such as intelligence, beauty, and worth cannot directly correlate to race.

            Darwin’s theories of evolution and natural selection show that we are all different for a reason and therefore we shouldn’t judge one another for our differences in physical appearances such as skin color.  One race should not be claimed “smarter” than another.  One is not smarter than another based upon their skin color; one is smarter than another based upon their educational opportunities.  Therefore, it can be said that one race may have lesser opportunities for education in a specific region and therefore are not as of the same intellectual level as another race, but it is foolish to say that that group of individuals isn’t of the same intellectual level merely because of their skin color. 

            People in history, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., have tried to explain to those with discriminatory views that we are all indeed the same.  Darwin, however, has scientific reasons for people to consider.  If we all have originated from the same human ancestors then we should all be treated as equals, regardless of skin color.  Race evolved as a means to benefit individuals of different geographic regions and therefore should not be looked at negatively.  Darwin’s works show that it is truly beneficial for humans to be of different skin colors. 

  

Evolution of Skin Color.  Youtube Video.  11 December 2008.  .

            This video explains the evolution of race and why we are all different from one another.  It confirms my revelation that it is ridiculous for one to be judged on the color of their skin because we are all indeed very similar to one another due to the fact that all races have descended form a single ancestor.   

                       

 

Work Cited

 

National Academy of Sciences.  “Evolution and the Nature of Science.”  Darwin.  Ed. Philip Appleman.  New York: W.W. Norton &Company, 2001.  292.

Mayr, Ernst.  “Who Is Darwin?” Darwin.  Ed. Philip Appleman.  New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2001. 23.