Are White People in Africa People of Color?

This article seeks to challenge some of the misconceptions surrounding the concept of 'whiteness' and to provide a broader, more scientific understanding of racial identity.

Introduction

Is the presence of people with European ancestry in South Africa suddenly deemed to make them 'brown' skinned? The answer is no. This misunderstanding stems from a purely constructed notion that was popularized by Europeans centuries ago. In this article, we will explore the evolution of racial categorization and the true nature of 'color' in the human context.

The Concept of 'People of Color'

All human beings, regardless of their ancestral roots, are fundamentally 'people of color.' This term signifies that every human possesses a range of natural pigmentation, primarily brown and red melanin. The Eurocentric notion of 'white' and 'black' is a pseudoscientific classification that has no basis in reality. This classification was developed in the 16th century, devoid of any scientific or biological validity.

Eurocentric Constructs and Real Human Diversity

The categorization into 'white' and 'black' or 'Caucasoid,' 'Negroid,' and 'Mongoloid' is not only outdated but also scientifically inaccurate. These classifications were created during a period of human history when knowledge of human genetics was extremely limited. They fail to capture the true diversity of the human race. Every individual is a mosaic of genetic heritage that spans a wide array of human populations.

Genetic and Anthropological Perspectives on European Ancestry

To be 'European' means having a specific genetic background. Approximately 35–45% of one's genome originates from the Neolithic Near/Mid East, while another 30–40% of aDNA comes from the Bronze Age Eurasian steppe. Around 15% comes from Mesolithic European hunter-gatherers from regions such as Western, Eastern, Scandinavian, and Caucasus hunter-gatherers. This genetic diversity explains why Europeans come in a range of tones, from very pale to moderate brown.

The Debate on 'White' Identity

The term 'white' is a relatively recent construct, only about 400–500 years old. It has no intrinsic biological meaning and is entirely dependent on personal identification. There are no 'pure' races, as all human beings are multi-racial and belong to a variety of 'races' simultaneously. Even individuals with predominantly 'European' ancestry can exhibit a wide range of skin tones, influenced by historical migrations and intermingling.

The Implications of Racial Constructs

The outdated concepts of 'white,' 'red,' 'yellow,' and 'black' are not merely historical relics but are used to perpetuate systemic injustices. These constructs are not scientific but rather social constructs that have been used to justify prejudice and discrimination. It is crucial to recognize that these labels are self-identifying and should not be imposed by others, regardless of the intent or ignorance behind such actions.

Conclusion

The term 'white' is an outdated and inaccurate classification that has no basis in biology. Instead, we should recognize and embrace the true diversities of human skin tones and genetic heritage. Every individual is unique, and the diverse array of human appearances reflects a rich tapestry of ancestry and history.

Key Takeaways

Human beings, regardless of their ancestry, are fundamentally 'people of color' due to the presence of brown and red melanin. The 'white' and 'black' classifications are pseudoscientific and outdated pseudo-racial categories used historically to justify discrimination. Race is a social construct with no scientific basis, and all individuals should be recognized as 'multi-racial.'