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Race: The Power of An Illusion

I very recently discovered this fascinating 3-part documentary about race in society, science & history, which asks quite a compelling question – how valid are your beliefs about the human species?

This is a PBS documentary, which I’ve just ordered, but have already read a lot about on their website.

Some of the many major concepts that are explored in detail:

Race is a modern idea.
Ancient societies did not divide people according to physical differences, but according to religion, status, class, even language.

Race has no genetic basis.
Not one characteristic, trait or gene distinguishes all members of one so-called race from all members of another so-called race.

Skin color is only skin deep.
Most traits are inherited independently of one another. The genes for skin color have nothing to do with genes for hair texture, eye shape. blood type, musical talent, or athletic ability.

Most variation is within, not between “races”.
Of the small amount of total human genetic variation, 85% exists within any local population, be they Italians, Kurds, Koreans, or Cherokees. Two random Koreans are likely to be as genetically different as a Korean and an Italian.

There is a great more to learn in this series, and I’m quite excited to have found it!!

For as much as I read about this subject, I was surprised to have never heard of this amazing documentary. If you are already familiar with this series, I’d love to hear about it…

7 responses to “Race: The Power of An Illusion”

  1. tina B says:

    I am so psyched to see this on PBS. I’m really glad you posted it. On an unrelated note, I have yo let you know what an inspiration you are to me. I am starting my photography career(doing ALOT of free work right now) and your photos inspire me.
    Someone asked me why i’d want to do photography and I had two answers: It’s what drives me as a person and because of Tamara Lackey!
    If you have any words of wisdom, i’d greatly appreciate it!!

  2. tina B says:

    I am so psyched to see this on PBS. I’m really glad you posted it. On an unrelated note, I have yo let you know what an inspiration you are to me. I am starting my photography career(doing ALOT of free work right now) and your photos inspire me.
    Someone asked me why i’d want to do photography and I had two answers: It’s what drives me as a person and because of Tamara Lackey!
    If you have any words of wisdom, i’d greatly appreciate it!!

  3. Tamara Lackey says:

    What a cool thing to say – thanks, Tina! Do you have a site? I have many words about photography, but I’d love to tailor the wisdom šŸ™‚

  4. Tamara Lackey says:

    What a cool thing to say – thanks, Tina! Do you have a site? I have many words about photography, but I’d love to tailor the wisdom šŸ™‚

  5. tina Bass says:

    I don’t have a website up yet. I’ve been working on it, especially since I have some shoots coming up.
    I’m excited and scared at the same time. I never knew I would venture into photography and be so passionate about it.
    My e-mail is tinat723@yahoo.com. I’d love to hear what you have to say šŸ™‚

  6. tina Bass says:

    I don’t have a website up yet. I’ve been working on it, especially since I have some shoots coming up.
    I’m excited and scared at the same time. I never knew I would venture into photography and be so passionate about it.
    My e-mail is tinat723@yahoo.com. I’d love to hear what you have to say šŸ™‚

  7. Jerrie Jakob says:

    I just want to mention I’m beginner to blogging and site-building and honestly savored you’re page. More than likely Iā€™m planning to bookmark your site . You really come with incredible articles. Kudos for revealing your web page.

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