In recent times, embracing science and rejecting hocus-pocus explanations of how the world functions has become an increasingly widespread characteristic of modern behavior. 

We no longer burn (aka murder) “witches” to save them, nor think that the moon might be made of cheese. However, the use of scientific logic and rational explanations of phenomena is a voluntary choice by all of us who use them—and therein lies a conflict. 

Do we dance with a conspiratorial witch doctor? (Yep, that bleach’ll kill the cancer.) Or perhaps do we consult a medical doctor? Might we toy under the shroud of astrology (Your future is written in the stars), or instead be dazzled by the hard scientific light of astronomy? 

It is usually one path and not the other—even when you are personally fond of a particular “witch doctor.”

Hercules unchained

When the massive 13-year Human Genome Project (HGP) was completed in 2003, it determined some 20,000-25,000 human genes and sequenced the composition of three billion nucleotide base pairs. One consequence of this herculean effort was the utter destruction of any scientific basis for the notion of “races of mankind.” The HGP uncovered that regardless of geographical origin, physical likeness or difference, humans were 99.9 percent genetically identical. 

Therefore, the superficial notion of “races” of humankind, such as Caucasian, Black, etc., has never had a rational basis in biology, nor in any science. Rather, this stubborn trope has been and continues to be an artificially constructed pseudoscientific device designed to create rank-able categories of humans and to consequently justify long-existing inequalities in the human condition.

Perhaps some might have an issue with the conclusion that humans are all of one race. I urge any such person to reconsider any offhand dismissal of the fruits of a monumental international scientific achievement and consider that genetic secrets unlocked by those efforts could one day save you or a loved one’s life. 

So regardless of past beliefs, think carefully before rushing to judgement. Should you choose to reject scientific research findings (as is your right) when they lead to uncomfortable conclusions, I want you to give my greetings to your particular “witch doctor” and tell him we are still holding a place for him and everyone, in the discussion on the nature of humans going forward—but the scientific debate on race has been concluded for more than a generation. Objectively, there is only one race of humans: Homo sapiens.

John Pace lives in Honesdale, PA.