(September 21, 2012 at 9:36 am)Chuck Wrote: You can just as easily come up with counterexamples. For example Northern Chinese tends to be significantly darker than southern Chinese.
There are some anomalies with this theory but overall there is a recognizable pattern coupled with the fact that we do know how different skin tones react to sunlight exposure. It all falls into place nicely. The anomalies will probably be explained as we get more information.
Tangent:
This discussion reminds me of how evolution is often accused of promoting racism by creationist propaganda. However, I find that naturalistic explanations like the ones we're batting about demystify our differences and reveal just what minor distinctions they are (we've tragically built up these artificial distinctions based on how much or little sunlight your immediate ancestors got).
Compare this with what religion often offers. See the Mormon explanation for races or the curse on Ham or the "Mark of Cain". I'd say religion does far more to promote racism and ethnic cleansing than a rational, scientific approach to understanding our world.
Atheist Forums Hall of Shame:
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
"The trinity can be equated to having your cake and eating it too."
... -Lucent, trying to defend the Trinity concept
"(Yahweh's) actions are good because (Yahweh) is the ultimate standard of goodness. That’s not begging the question"
... -Statler Waldorf, Christian apologist
