The
BBC reports that researchers at Penn State Uni have discovered the gene responsible for skin pigmentation in humans. The gene SLC24A5 hadn't previously been identified with skin pigmentation before but research into the differences between regular zebrafish and the golden zebrafish indicated that a protein deficiency in the gene leads to a mutation, similar to that experienced by albino populations. Interestingly, adding the protein in the golden zebrafish resulted in a darker toned fish.
I guess it will be some time before the benefits of this knowledge become widespread, but initially the scientists are speculating it may provide further insight into skin cancer research, and long term may allow humans to change their skin tone without tanning or chemicals. I suspect that future generations may even be able to fully change their skin colour, imagine what the fashion industry could do with this technology. Wearable art could become a reality.
On a social level though this research should finally start to provide scientific proof that the different 'races' of humankind are simply genetic modifications of the same species, and that there is in fact no real difference between us all.
Psychology Today has an interesting article, that most of our racial differences came about through geographical isolation many thousands of years ago.
I've often wondered if race was more societal than physical, certainly when people seem to identify themselves so readily with their skin colour. So often these people seem to see their racial type as a disability that explains their lack of progress in life. Most are actually suffering from low self-esteem caused by social position, the state of their local economy, or their own educational achievements. I believe that something is missing in their lives, without which they don't feel able to overcome the obstacles that fate has thrown them. Anyone in this situation would be quite easily led into believing the physical attributes count for more than their intelligence.
On the other side of the coin, there are those whose lives have been quite rewarding and who haven't experienced a lack of personal progress but who still accept racial stereotype as the norm, and then use their own racial disposition to demonstrate their superiority.
Sadly, the problem for these people is a lack of imagination. The downtrodden need all their energy to survive and aren't able to open their minds to other possibilities, and the more successful are so consumed with maintaining their lifestyle and income levels that other possibilities just seem to threaten their comfort zones.
Governments and corporate entities don't help many in the poorer parts of society, but in most places around the world a little imagination and some personal motivation go a long way to overcoming racial stereotypes. And those who claim to be superior lack the imagination to tackle inequality.
