When humans evolved in Africa, 130,000 years ago, we were dark-skinned, tropical hominids; for the first 80,000 years of our history, there were no significant racial divisions. Then, as our species spread across the globe, various races emerged in response to both genetic variation and the physical character of our environment (primarily climate and solar radiation). It would not be until trade routes were established and global exploration began (i.e. within the last few thousand years) that racial and cultural differences were recognized and exploited, setting in motion the indignities of imperialism, prejudice, slavery and racism.
While human enlightenment, including the advance of democracy and public education, has spawned civil rights legislation in many regions of our globe, an undercurrent of racism persists, the effect of familial and cultural attitudes passed through the generations. Fortunately, as globalization and liberalism have fostered immigration and interracial marriage, racial distinctions are beginning to blur and, centuries hence, may disappear altogether. In concert, the notion of racial supremacy should be relegated to history.
Of course, the end of racism will not ensure social harmony. Those prone to intolerance, zealotry and bigotry will focus on other differences among us and the struggle for human rights and personal freedom will continue.
