Why do we fight over the colour of our skin?

Looking at all the advertising on TV about DNA testing, I started to wonder: How different are we from each other?

I started researching DNA and wondering what the differences would be. And what I found out was a real shock to me.

Many studies have been conducted to see how different we all really are, and they have come to the consensus that every human’s DNA is almost identical to everyone else’s. It was revealed that human DNA around the globe is 99.94 per cent the same. And 94 per cent of that 0.06 per cent difference is between people of the same race, compared with a minute difference between people from different races and nationalities. Math would round it up to 100 per cent the same.

One of the most common theories is that this small difference originated at the very beginning of human life. It is believed that all human life began in Africa, and people spread to what are now the different continents of the world.

As the one super-continent, known as Pangaea, was relatively close to the equator, all the climates were somewhat the same. Therefore, humans did not evolve too differently. As Pangaea split apart, however, the climates became drastically different, some becoming much colder, and some becoming much hotter than the native people were used to.

This massive change would make our world what it is today. Although this forced our outer bodies to change, our genes stayed mostly the same, and this is why we are one species known as human.

Even nature tried to keep us as close to the original as possible. And now, our skin colours are dividing us. The colour of our blood is the same, we have the same number of organs and bones, the same muscles and the same internal systems. Only the colour of our skin, eyes and hair is different. Is it that much difference to create such a big fuss about?

Even though we are nearly alike from the inside, how we look gave birth to the idea of race.

Racism and discrimination have plagued humanity since the beginning and are, sadly, still around in our society today. It’s even more heartbreaking, however, when you learn there is no evidence to back up these forms of inequality.

Racism is the most cruel and despicable form of inequality, and consists of one people believing they are superior to another, calling others offensive words, treating them with lesser rights or bullying them, all because of how they look or where they are from.

We should all be united and should embrace each other. But some people fail to accept that. We are all one species, all one people, all one race, and everyone should realize that.

The sad truth is, we won’t. There will never be a point where discrimination will cease to exist. But that doesn’t mean that you have to be one of those people.

You can make a difference in the fight against racism. Respect others, spread awareness of the issue and most important of all, don’t judge people by how they look. Don’t talk badly about someone’s race or heritage. Be respectful.

Not only are we practically identical DNA-wise, we are exactly alike emotionally. We all have feelings and want to have good feelings, not bad ones. Racism is one of those things that really puts someone down and makes them feel bad about themselves. One of the most famous sayings: “Treat others as you want to be treated” should apply in our everyday lives.

I have promised myself that I will never judge a person for the way he or she looks or where he or she is from. I will always treat everyone with respect and equality. I will always put humanity and humility in every decision I make. If a kid my age can figure this out, it shouldn’t be too hard for adults who are there to guide us.

If we really want to fight something, let’s fight for the Earth, let’s fight for climate change, let’s fight for equality and for change. Why fight for the way we look or where we are from?

Future generations will thank us for it.

We are all the same. All one race, all one species, and this should bond us, not tear us apart.