Anthropologists combat pseudoscience around racial theories

In a groundbreaking move, anthropologists are stepping into the forefront to combat the misuse of science in promoting racial superiority. The annual meeting of the American Association of Biological Anthropologists saw experts gathering to address the alarming trend of 'race science,' where genes and biological variations are erroneously used to categorize humans into superior and inferior races.

Fernando Villanea, a population geneticist, highlighted the historical stereotypes associated with Neanderthals and the recent misuse of genetic information to claim superiority based on Neanderthal ancestry. This prompted researchers to emphasize the importance of clear communication and condemnation of racist interpretations of their work.

Rebecca Sear has been instrumental in advocating for the retraction of papers based on discredited data from self-proclaimed "scientific racist" Richard Lynn. Her efforts led to the retraction of a paper linking parasite prevalence with cognitive variations derived from Lynn's flawed data set, providing a glimmer of hope in the fight against misinformation.

Some anthropologists, like Sheela Athreya, pointed out the misleading nature of visualization tools that depict human populations as distinct branches, disregarding the historical gene flow and mixing between populations. They stressed the need to present data in a way that does not reinforce the false notion of biological races.

Tina Lasisi cautioned against relying solely on technical details to counter racial biases, suggesting a multifaceted approach to engage different audiences with tailored messages. The call for increased funding for initiatives dedicated to combating race science underscored the magnitude of the challenge at hand.

Despite the obstacles, the resolve of anthropologists like James Holland Jones and the commitment to distill collective experiences into a guide for scientists signal a turning point in the fight against racial misinformation. By actively engaging with the public and addressing misconceptions head-on, anthropologists aim to reclaim the narrative on human variation and genetics.

The symposium serves as a powerful reminder that standing silent in academic silos allows for misinterpretation of scientific findings. As anthropologists step into the spotlight, they pave the way for a more informed and inclusive dialogue on race, genetics, and human diversity.

Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/anthropologists-take-arms-against-race-science