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Skin Deep: Dispelling the Science of Race

David Foster Wallace

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Race is a social construct that has been used to justify discrimination and inequality for centuries. But what if race isn't real? What if there is no genetic basis for race? What if race is nothing more than a social invention?

Skin Deep: Dispelling the Science of Race

by Gavin Evans

4.8 out of 5

In her groundbreaking book, Skin Deep, geneticist Nina Jablonski delves into the science of race and shows that there is no such thing as a pure race. In fact, the concept of race is so fluid that it has changed over time and from place to place.

Jablonski's research shows that the idea of race is based on a misunderstanding of human genetics. The amount of genetic variation between two people of the same race is often greater than the amount of genetic variation between two people of different races. In other words, there is more genetic diversity within races than between them.

Jablonski also shows that the concept of race is not based on any objective criteria. There is no single gene or set of genes that can be used to determine someone's race. Instead, race is determined by a combination of factors, including skin color, hair texture, and facial features. However, these factors are not always reliable indicators of someone's genetic ancestry.

For example, skin color is often used to categorize people into different races. However, skin color is a highly variable trait that is influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, sun exposure, and nutrition. As a result, there is no single "correct" skin color for any particular race.

Similarly, hair texture and facial features are not always reliable indicators of someone's genetic ancestry. For example, some people of African descent have straight hair, while some people of European descent have curly hair. And some people of Asian descent have broad noses, while some people of European descent have narrow noses.

The fact that there is no genetic basis for race does not mean that race is not real. Race is a social reality that has a profound impact on people's lives. However, it is important to understand that race is not a biological reality. It is a social construct that has been used to justify discrimination and inequality.

Skin Deep is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the science of race. Jablonski's research provides a powerful challenge to the long-held belief that race is a biological reality. It is a book that will change the way you think about race and the world around you.