We Are One Human Race
Did you know that “race” is a social construct? There is no biological basis for the idea that there are different human races.
There is only one human race.
As a species, we humans share around 99.9% of our DNA with one another other, whatever the color of our skin.
In her Harvard University article, “How Science and Genetics Are Reshaping the Race Debate of the 21st Century,” Vivian Chou tells us,
“In the biological and social sciences, the consensus is clear: race is a social construct, not a biological attribute.”
She explains the genetics behind this truth.
“The popular classifications of race are based chiefly on skin color, with other relevant features including height, eyes, and hair. Though these physical differences may appear, on a superficial level, to be very dramatic, they are determined by only a minute portion of the genome: we as a species have been estimated to share 99.9% of our DNA with each other. The few differences that do exist reflect differences in environments and external factors, not core biology.”
Dismantle the False Narrative, Dismantle Racism
Nevertheless, people have used this tiny variation in human genetics, expressed primarily through the color of a person’s skin, to promote the idea that one “race,” the white race, is superior to other races. Countless atrocities have been committed based upon this false notion, dating back for centuries.
That’s why it’s important to know that there’s no biological basis for racism. Race is only a socially reinforced idea. Thus the notion can be changed. Correcting this false narrative is how we begin to dismantle racism, the belief that one race is superior to another.
The truth that we’re one human race doesn’t mean we suddenly drop “Black Lives Matter” and promote the idea that “All Lives Matter.” To the contrary, it illuminates the false storyline modern society subscribes to, and thus makes you want to highlight “Black Lives Matter” all the more, assuming you’re a compassionate human being and not a fascist.
The Alt-Right and Bioligical Racism
However, the Alt-Right, who opposes “Black Lives Matter, wants you to think otherwise.
While there’s a diversity of opinions among the Alt-Right as to what constitutes non-white, their overarching belief is in a “pure” white heritage, with German and Scandinavian being among the most desirable ancestry. They promote the idea that descent from other groups like African American, Ashkenazi Jews, Italian, Armenians, and other cultural groups they deem as non-white to be less desirable. The Alt-Right promotes the idea of “biological racism”, a pseudo-scientific belief, to justify the superiority of the white race.
To combat these false interpretations of science and the racism propagated by the Alt-Right, Vivian Chou says we need to be equally literate in science and genetics:
“Mounting scientific evidence has shown that humans are fundamentally more similar than different from each other. Nonetheless, racism has persisted. Scientific findings are often ignored, or otherwise actively misinterpreted and misused to further racist agendas of extreme political groups. Opponents of these forces must, through their own education and awareness, combat these misleading interpretations and representations of scientific findings.”
Educate Yourself on Racism
I first learned this idea – that there’s no biological basis for race – when I watched Layla F. Saad’s video “Why Whiteness Must Be Named,” which I highly recommend.
Why didn’t I know that before?
To be honest, I haven’t done the work to understand the history and underpinnings of racism in my country. But I’m committed to doing it now.
If you’re white and want to learn to become anti-racist or more anti-racist, I hope you’ll join me and educate yourself as well. I highly recommend the above video as a good starting point. And to continue or restart your education on racism, use these other resource lists.
Black Lives Matter Ally Wiki - Sign petitions, donate, demand justice, educate yourself.
158 Resources to Understand Racism in America - Smithsonian Magazine
Anti-racism education is essential, but don’t stop there. Back it up with action and donations. You’ll find plenty of ideas for positive action in some of the above lists.
If you’re already out there in the protests, THANK YOU. Thank you for having the courage to speak up and put your body on the line. Because Black Lives Matter.
Thank you for your presence, I know your time is precious! Don’t forget to sign up for Wild Arisings, my twice monthly letters from the heart filled with insights, inspiration, and ideas to help you connect with and live from your truest self.
You might also like to check out my Living with Ease course or visit my Self-Care Shop. May you be happy, well, and safe – always. With love, Sandra
