Skin colour is fundamental to our identity – a chance to debate the issues and hear how genetics reveals perceived black genes in superficially white populations at the Science Museum’s Dana Centre, adults-only café/bar
30 April 2007
Skin colour – should it matter?
A chance to examine how prejudices affect how we act, feel and think
Genetics expert Mark Jobling and sociologist Simon Dyson will challenge today’s thinking on race at the Science Museum’s Dana Centre in a bid to escape the prejudices skin colour evokes
Lighter skinned people earn more than darker skinned people. Yet perceived black genes have been found in superficially white populations. So how does skin colour impact our thinking on race and the way we categorise other people and ourselves?
An evening event at the Dana Centre in London – the Science Museum’s adult-only café/bar, will allow visitors to examine their own prejudices and preconceptions in a thought provoking and open discussion. This free event is the first in a series (of three) examining the science and politics of skin colour.
Historically – and even now – grouping people according to skin colour has gone hand in hand with notions of superiority and inferiority. In the past, science has often contributed to racist attitudes.
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Mark Jobling will describe how his work challenges our thinking on race. Sociologists Simon Dyson and Shirley Tate will look at how our skin colour affects our preconceptions of belonging to different communities. Finally, political commentator Joseph Harker will look at how attitudes to skin colour manifest themselves in politics and the impact of this on our nation.
Speakers - Skin Colour: Should it matter?
Simon Dyson, sociologist, De Montfort University, Leicester
Joseph Harker, journalist, The Guardian
Mark Jobling, geneticist, University of Leicester
Shirley Tate, sociologist, University of Leeds
Facilitator: Elizabeth Anionwu, Head of Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice, Thames Valley University, London
After short introductory talks, the audience will have the chance to split into small groups to really explore issues surrounding skin colour with the speakers.
Elizabeth Anionwu, who is facilitating the event, says ‘I was born in England of mixed parentage (white mother, black father) and from early childhood realised that my skin colour determines how many people view my identity. I have therefore always been interested in the historical, scientific and political reasons behind why people of different skin colours are treated so differently in society.”
The Dana Centre is a relaxed venue which provides visitors the opportunity to explore the latest issues in contemporary science, medicine and technology.
Event details
Skin Colour – Should it matter?
Thursday 3 May
19.00-20.30
Today, skin colour affects our personal identity, how we wear our hair, how much we earn – as well as the shape of our nation. Yet genetics reveals perceived black genes have been found in superficially white populations. This evening will challenge our thinking on race in an open and frank discussion.
Skin Colour: Vitiligo
Tuesday 22 May
19.00-20.30
Vitiligo is allegedly the reason behind Michael Jackson’s dramatic switch from black to white. Affecting one in 200 people, vitiligo is a disease which destroys pigment-producing cells in the skin. Sufferers face massive social stigma in a society which forever strives for perfection. So what is it like to live with vitiligo, what are the cause and the treatments?
Skin Colour: Changing Shades Whitening skin creams are used by an unknown number of people in African-Caribbean, Asian, Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern and other darker skinned populations. Conversely, millions of white-skinned people tan themselves obsessively. Investigate the ironies and dangers of both these skin treatments through an interactive drama performance by Arc Theatre.
*Dana Centre, 165 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5HD
*Nearest tube is Gloucester Road
*Our events are open to anyone age 18 and over.
*These events are free but places should be pre-booked by calling 020 7942 4040 or emailing tickets@danacentre.org.uk
