Melanin theory
Melanin theory is a set of pseudoscientific claims made by some proponents of Afrocentrism, which holds that black people, including ancient Egyptians, have superior mental, physical, and paranormal powers because they have higher levels of melanin, the primary skin pigment in humans.[1]
Claims
Melanin theory posits that individuals' responses to social stimuli are determined by the prevalence of the skin pigment
emasculate African males, taking the form of unemployment, incarceration, and political and social marginalization.[2]
Some
scientific illiteracy and would contribute to "widening the gap between the races".[1]
Welsing states that Africans possess
neo-Freudian analysis of cultural symbols rather than scientific evidence, arguing that the motivation for white supremacy is an unconscious response to white genetic and sexual inferiority. Ferguson equates this argument with "white male penis envy" toward black men.[3]: 67–68 [further explanation needed
]
In popular culture
In 2006, the views of adherents and critics of melanin theory were dramatized in Cassandra Medley's play Relativity.[7]
In 2020, melanin theory was promoted by Nick Cannon in an interview with Professor Griff of Public Enemy on the Cannon's Class podcast,[8] among anti-Semitic ideas.
See also
References
- ^ ISSN 0002-9483.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7619-2762-4.
- ^ ISBN 9781137549976.
- ^ Morrow, Lance (24 June 2001). "Controversies: The Provocative Professor". Time. Vol. 138, no. 8. p. 19.
- ISBN 978-0-8147-5800-7.
- ^ Ortiz de Montellano, Bernard (Winter 1992). "Magic Melanin: Spreading Scientific Illiteracy Among Minorities: Part II". Skeptical Inquirer. Vol. 16, no. 2. pp. 162–166.
- ^ Genzlinger, Neil (May 2, 2006). "Science and Race Issues Clash in Cassandra Medley's 'Relativity'". The New York Times.
- ^ "Cannon's Class podcast 30 June 2020". Transcribe Text to Speech - Rev.com.