Socology 4949: Worksheet--"The Power of an Illusion: the Difference Between Us" DVD 136

1. How did skin color differences develop among humans?

2. What is the significance of the very gradual differences we see as we move away from the equator?

3. Why do some diseases affect one "race" more than others--for example, sickle cell anemia?

4. How were the genetic differences between these students evaluated, and what did they find in terms of similarity with others in the group?

Sociology 4949: Groups--"Race: the Power of an Illusion--The Difference Between Us"

1. Why is there relatively little genetic variation among human beings, compared, for example, with fruit flies?

2. Why is it that the variation which does exist correlates very poorly with skin color?

3. So why have at least some human societies, including American society, attributed so very much significance to race, given that its genetic significance is mostly an illusion?