Why Nordic People Are Considered White Despite Looking Brown

First off, skin color doesn't matter, but this is a curious question that many people wonder about. So, I am Nordic or Scandinavian, and I can assure you that we are very white in appearance. However, we also can tan very dark quickly. Growing up, my European friends often burned in the sun, while I would turn red and then tan the next day. My Scandinavian friend with the same heritage would also tan, and this is normal among various Scandinavians as their bodies adapted differently than other parts of Europe or Caucasian peoples.

You have to understand that this Northern part of the planet experiences extreme amounts of sun and cold weather, both sunny and no sunny periods. For most of the year there is no sun, and during summer and winter solstices, the northern hemisphere lives through days and nights that are the extremes of the planet's longest days and nights for a week straight. Due to these conditions, their skin probably had to learn to adjust quickly and adapt to the extreme weather.

The Northern Hemisphere's Extreme Seasons

The Northern Hemisphere experiences long days with extreme sun during summer and long nights with minimal sun during winter. This adaptation to the changing seasons is part of the cultural heritage of Scandinavians. Our family doesn't live in sunscreen either, as we use tanning for Vitamin D, but too much sun can result in burning.

Environmental Adaptations and Beauty

I often think about why they are considered white and not brown, as their skin tone can range from very light to quite dark. Just because they lived in such cold, snowy weather does not mean they are not considered white. Being white is a social convention, not a biological one. Nordics can look brown, but this is a result of their adaptation to their environment.

It's easy to forget this when you see them in the late summer, when many Swedes are deeply tanned, or when you forget to take off your brown sunglasses.

Cultural and Genetic Factors

I find Scandinavian people attractive, particularly as an Asian-American lady. The idea that they are not considered white because they have a darker appearance is a common misconception. The real reason they are considered white is due to cultural and genetic factors, and not just skin color. The historical and societal definitions of whiteness have evolved over time, and the Nordic region is a prime example.

Do not confuse immigrants with the real people from the country. Scandinavian people, specifically those from Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, are the textbook definition of whiteness. However, their current appearance is a result of immigration and adaptation to the environment. These are just representatives of those countries within Scandinavia, and they are not necessarily real Scandinavian people in the traditional sense.

Understanding this helps to clarify why they are considered white, despite their skin looking brown to some. It’s a fascinating topic that delves into the complexities of cultural, environmental, and genetic factors in human appearance.