The Myth of Race | Sharad Paul | TEDxAuckland

Summary

In a thought-provoking talk, the speaker challenges the myth of race by presenting three scientific truths: vitamin D is a hormone crucial for calcium regulation, the concept of racial divisions based on skin color is scientifically flawed, and Darwin's theories about skin color and geography miss the dietary influences. The speaker emphasizes that all humans originated from a single race and adapted to their environments over time. Ultimately, they call for a colorblind society where individuals are judged by their potential rather than their skin color, highlighting the need for understanding and overcoming societal biases.

Takeaways

• 😀 The myth of race is scientifically flawed; there is only one human race that evolved from Africa.
• 🌞 Vitamin D is not a true vitamin but a hormone that regulates calcium levels in the body.
• 🧬 Skin is our only essential and universal organ, critical for survival and touch.
• 🐠 Life on Earth evolved from the ocean, and the need for calcium regulation influenced skin color evolution.
• 🌍 Migration influenced skin color adaptations; for instance, skin darkens in tropics to preserve folate.
• 🧠 Human brain development was influenced by the evolution of bipedal movement, requiring larger cooling systems and shedding fur.
• 📉 Rickets and vitamin D deficiency in lighter-skinned populations can lead to fertility issues and other health problems.
• 🏃‍♂️ The athletic abilities of populations can be linked to vitamin D levels in their diets and ancestral environments.
• 🌐 Global dietary shifts are diminishing differences in skin color and health disparities related to vitamin D.
• 🤝 True color blindness, where everyone is treated equally regardless of skin color, is essential for eradicating bias and fostering understanding.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the talk?

The talk explores the myth of race, discussing three scientific misconceptions: the nature of vitamin D, the flawed concept of race based on skin color, and critiques of Darwin's views on human evolution.

Why is vitamin D described as not being a vitamin?

Vitamin D is considered a hormone because it regulates calcium levels in the body and can be produced by the body when exposed to sunlight, unlike traditional vitamins which cannot.

What role does skin play in human biology according to the speaker?

Skin is described as an essential and universal organ, vital for survival and providing emotional connections and perceptions of self-esteem or anxiety regarding appearance.

How does the speaker explain the evolution of skin color in humans?

The speaker explains that skin color evolved in response to environmental factors, particularly sunlight exposure, affecting vitamin D production and folic acid preservation as humans migrated across different regions.

What examples does the speaker use to illustrate the connection between skin color and environmental adaptation?

The speaker mentions the starfish and sea squirt to illustrate adaptations in early creatures and discusses how human skin color changed from dark to light as humans migrated from Africa to Europe, adapting to different UV radiation levels.

What implications does vitamin D deficiency have for health, as discussed in the talk?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to health issues such as rickets, heart disease, and diabetes, particularly in populations with low vitamin D due to dietary restrictions or insufficient sun exposure.

How does the speaker challenge Darwin's views on skin color and geographical location?

The speaker argues that while Darwin was correct that skin color varies with geography, the true influence comes from diet and vitamin D levels rather than geographical factors alone.

What societal issues does the speaker link to misconceptions about race?

The speaker connects racial myths to social issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, emphasizing that understanding the biology behind skin color can help combat prejudice.

What is the significance of the anecdote about the polar bear's skin color?

The anecdote illustrates that despite the polar bear's white fur, its skin is actually black, highlighting that dietary factors can influence skin color adaptation and challenge preconceived notions of race.

What is the speaker's ultimate wish for humanity regarding race?

The speaker wishes for a world that is colorblind, where individuals can reach their full potential without the biases associated with skin color, thereby promoting love and understanding among people.