When considering the difference between a white and black person, it’s critical to remember that not only are you talking about two people but two cultures as well.
It’s hard to see the differences between people, but one of the most obvious ones is skin color, and this is what sets them apart.
Key Takeaways
- Differences between white and black people are primarily based on skin color and historical contexts, resulting from variations in melanin production.
- Genetic variations among individuals are greater within racial groups than between racial groups, emphasizing that race is a social construct.
- Recognizing and addressing systemic racial inequalities is essential for fostering social justice and equality.
White vs Black People
The difference between white and black people is that there lies the difference in their skin color due to the expression of different degrees of melanin in their skin, leading to different pigmentation. Apart from that, there may be differences in their ancestral origin as well, along with some genetic factors.
White people are the ones commonly referred to as Caucasians.
These people, in general belief, are said to be the ones with a lighter skin tone which is called ‘white’ due to reduced expression of melanin in their skin, giving rise to fewer pigments in comparison to people of color in society.
Black people, in general, in today’s world are believed to be the people who have a high expression of melanin in their skin, giving them a dark appearance in comparison to the people referred to as Caucasians.
However, this term is not commonly used in today’s world.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | White People | Black People |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Tone | White people have pale light-colored skin. | These are the people who have dark-colored skin. |
| Melanin | White people have a small amount of melanin in their skin. | Black people have a large amount of melanin in their skin. |
| Origin | The origin of these people is referred to as European. | The origin of these people is referred to as Sub-Saharan. |
| Hair | White people are characterized by straight and blonde hair. | Black people are characterized by wooly, curly, and dark-colored hair. |
| Also Called | They are also called Caucasians. | They are also called people of color. |
What is White People?
A white person is a person with a Caucasian skin tone. The word “white” is sometimes used to describe people of European descent, but it can also refer to people of Middle Eastern, North African, or South Asian descent.
The term is used as a racial classification in racially diverse countries, but it is also used in countries where there are very few people of other races.
As a racial classification, white people are the largest racial group in the world.
The definition of white people varies from country to country and from time to time but includes the people of Europe and the Middle East, and that is where the notion of the term originated.
The reason for these people being pale-colored is due to the presence of a small amount of melanin in their skin. This is the pigment of the skin formed by melanocytes.
Melanin acts like natural protection against UV rays, but due to its absence, these people are more prone to sunburns.
Due to lack of pigmentation or due to reduced pigmentation, these people are found to have an increased number of people with light-colored pupils; however, there exist numerous exceptions to this as well.
In general, white people also have straight, light-colored hair, described as blonde, but there are exceptions here as well.
What is Black People?
Black people are referred to as Sub-Saharan ancestry. However, they also include people from Oceania and Southeast Asian pockets.
The term black is now not used to describe these people due to racial discrimination issues in the past.
The more commonly used term is African, African American, or simply people of color. The dark color of their skin arises from a large amount of melanin in their skin.
Melanocytes secrete a large amount of melanin that causes the formation of dark skin color.
Apart from skin color, melanin also gives these people a high degree of protection against the sun rays, protecting them from sunburns and even to some extent from skin cancer.
Melanin is, therefore, an integral part of the skin. They are also characterized by curly hair; however that there are innumerable exceptions.
Black people also have a natural disposition to be protected from vitamin folate destruction, which is an added advantage in comparison to Caucasians.
They also have a slightly larger life expectancy than white people due to added genetic factors as such in comparison to the white people.
Main Differences White and Black People
- White people and Black people differ from one another due to the difference in their skin pigmentation that gives them a light and dark appearance, respectively.
- White people have less melanin in their skin in comparison to black people.
- In general, white people have straight hair while black people have curly hair with a wooly texture. White people have a shorter life expectancy than black people.
- White people are prone to sunburns in comparison to black people, even though sunburns happen in the latter as well.
- White people also have less protection from the destruction of vitamin folate in comparison to black people.
References
- http://students.aiu.edu/submissions/profiles/resources/onlineBook/x4a5q5_Ethnicity_and_Family_Therapy-3.pdf#page=521
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-race-ethnicity-and-politics/article/melanin-and-curls-evaluation-of-black-women-candidates/5B02850521939A4EB9771970334FE707
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It is hard not to take the comparisons seriously and avoid reflecting on the fact that race is a social construct. The discussion has to be more focused on cultural differences.
THe main differences between groups of people are primarily due to historical contexts. Race is a social construct, and recognizing systemic racial inequalities are essentials for social justice.
This is a very informative article. I was particularly interested to know about the protective characteristics of melanin. Each person should seek to understand and respect all cultures.
I don’t agree with the definition of white people. The author should be more careful about using racial classifications and descriptors.
It’s hard to compare and understand differences between races. The information provided by the Reuters is accurate? Many studies say the difference between individuals is greater within racial groups than between racial groups
I disagree with some points in the article. The argument about white people having less protection from the destruction of vitamin folate in comparison to black people is not widely accepted. There’s no enough scientific evidence to confirm that theory.