https://archive.md/cd1hs>MYTH 1: The DNA of white and black people is completely differentThe primary pigment in human skin is melanin. It's used to protect us from the sun.
Many genes are involved in the biochemical pathways that result in melanin production. Natural variation within these genes is the root cause of the spectrum of skin tones that humans have.
So, the biggest genetic difference within the human race is between white people and black people, right? Wrong.
Firstly, all humans share almost all the same DNA - a fact that betrays all of our recent origins from Africa.
Secondly, there is more genetic diversity on the continent of Africa than in the rest of the world put together.
Two people from different tribes in Southern Africa will be more genetically different from each other than a Sri Lankan, a Māori and a Russian.
We might categorise people as white, black or brown, but these visual variations don't accurately reflect the genetic differences - or rather similarities - between us.
>MYTH 2: There is such a thing as 'racial purity'We think of certain areas, lands or peoples as being isolated - either physically or culturally - and these boundaries as being insurmountable.
But this is neither what history, nor genetics, tell us. In fact, no nation is static.
"People have moved around the world throughout history, and had sex whenever and wherever they could," says Dr Rutherford.
Sometimes these are big moves in short times.
More often, people are largely static over a few generations - and that can feel like a geographical and cultural anchor.
"Nevertheless, every Nazi has Jewish ancestors" says Dr Rutherford, "Every white supremacist has Middle Eastern ancestors. Every racist has African, Indian, East Asian ancestors, as well as everyone else."
"Racial purity is pure fantasy. For humans, there are no pure bloods. Only mongrels enriched by the blood of multitudes," he says.
