Black (people)

When describing people, black generally refers to a person of Equatorial (African, Negrito, Aboriginal, Siddi, Dalit, or Melanesian) descent and/or a person of a very dark complexion. Blackness as a social identity is difficult to universally define, as it varies from nation to nation. It is well documented that Equatorial populations of Africa, where modern humans likely originated, are the most genetically diverse in the world 1. In some cases the identity is imposed on a specific population by outsiders. In other instances, most notably in Africa and the U.S., it is openly affirmed. It is ultimately impossible to physically characterize or define a person who is black, other than that the person's phenotype resembles a native Equatorial African (or Aboriginal) to some noticeable degree, even if their complexion is as light as the average white person. If a person believes or is believed to have Equatorial family or ancestors, that can affect their self perception and how their society views them. (see "Defining Characteristics" section below.)

Related Topics:
Equatorial - African - Negrito - Aboriginal - Siddi - Dalit - Melanesian - Africa - U.S. - Phenotype

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