[blam]

"I wouldn't be surprised to hear that human skin color has less to do with vitamin D than it does with notions of what's attractive. Europeans may have white skin simply because their ancestors found fair complexions more attractive. Conversely, Africans may have dark skin because their ancestors found dark skin more appealing. The added benefit of producing more vitamin D if you're a fair-skinned European would also figure into appearance; the healthier you are, the better looking you are."

Yup, you get it.

In Europe, white was beautiful because it was an indication of good health. In Africa, Black was beautiful for the same reason. The darkest of Africans only get skin cancer on their palms and lower lips where the skin is the lightest...while Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Lack of vitamin D causes scurvvy and numerous other disfiguring diseases. When Europeans covered up to keep warm, they severely decreased their intake (mfg) of vitamin D.

Eskimos didn't turn white because their diet is high in seafood which provides adequate vitamin D.

[Redcloak]

We often overlook how much we've been shaped by what gave Great^nth Grandpa the hots for Great^nth Grandma.