Reasons Why There Are Different Skin Colors

How our skin colors changed in the past

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By: Nathaniel C, Journalist

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish “From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere…” – Doctor Seuss

Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin present in the skin. Melanin is a pigment that is produced by cells called melanocytes. The more melanin a person has, the darker their skin will be. People have different skin colors because they have different amounts of melanin.

There are several factors that influence skin color, including genetics, environmental factors, and sun exposure. People with ancestors from regions closer to the equator tend to have darker skin because they need more melanin to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. On the other hand, people with ancestors from regions farther from the equator tend to have lighter skin because they need less melanin to protect their skin.

Skin color has been used as a way to discriminate against people throughout history. This discrimination, known as racism, is wrong and unjust. Every person should be treated with respect and kindness, regardless of their skin color.

It’s important to remember that skin color is just one aspect of a person’s identity. We all have different backgrounds, experiences, and personalities that make us unique. Instead of focusing on our differences, we should celebrate them and learn from each other.

In conclusion, skin color is determined by the amount of melanin present in the skin, and people have different skin colors because they have different amounts of melanin. Skin color should not be used as a way to discriminate against people. Instead, we should celebrate our differences and treat everyone with respect and kindness.

Related Stories:

https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/518826#:~:text=The%20amount%20of%20melanin%20in,hemoglobin%2C%20melanin%2C%20and%20oxyhemoglobin.

https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/why-did-darker-and-lighter-human-skin-colors-evolve

https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-are-people-all-different-colors

https://www.psu.edu/impact/story/the-evolution-of-skin-color/

https://www.thetech.org/ask-a-geneticist/skin-color-and-natural-selection

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