Mixed-Race People Perceived as 'More Attractive,' UK Study Finds

[giovonni]

Mixed-Race People Perceived as 'More Attractive,' UK Study Finds
ScienceDaily (Apr. 14, 2010) — In the largest study of its kind Dr Michael Lewis of Cardiff University's School of Psychology, collected a random sample of 1205 black, white, and mixed-race faces.

Each face was then rated for their perceived attractiveness to others -- with mixed-race faces, on average, being perceived as being more attractive.

Dr Lewis, who will present his findings to the British Psychological Society's annual meeting (April 14) said: "Previous, small scale, studies have suggested that people of mixed race are perceived as being more attractive than non-mixed-race people. This study was an attempt to put this to the wider test.

"A random sample of black, white, and mixed-race faces was collected and rated for their perceived attractiveness. There was a small but highly significant effect, with mixed-race faces, on average, being perceived as more attractive."

The study could also have wider implications than just attractiveness.

First established by Darwin in 1876, heterosis (or hybrid vigour) is a biological phenomenon that predicts that cross-breeding leads to offspring that are genetically fitter than their parents.

As heterosis is considered to be a universal biological effect, it is possible that humans are also subject to its influence and helps explain why mixed-race people appear more attractive.

Dr Lewis added: "The results appear to confirm that people whose genetic backgrounds are more diverse are, on average, perceived as more attractive than those whose backgrounds are less diverse. This can be taken as evidence for heterosis among human population groups.

"There is evidence, albeit anecdotal, that the impact of heterosis goes beyond just attractiveness. This comes from the observation that, although mixed-race people make up a small proportion of the population, they are over-represented at the top level of a number of meritocratic professions like acting with Halle Berry, Formula 1 racing with Lewis Hamilton; and, of course, politics with Barack Obama."

from Science Daily;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0414092523.htm

[Indigo]

Two things come to mind with this report:

1. People viewing the images who have a solely white or black background are more likely to find those of their own race attractive, followed by those of mixed-race, with those of the opposite race the least attractive to them. Similarly, those of mixed race are likely to find others of mixed-race most attractive, and black or whites next attractive, depending which group they most closely associate themselves with, and the third group of images least attractive. Obviously there will always be exceptions to this, but mathematically speaking, you would naturally get a higher result for attractiveness for those of mixed-race.

2. A more diverse gene-pool, as will naturally occur when mixing races to produce mixed-race offspring, will make those offspring more healthy, as any race-common gene defects will have their effects massively reduced, particularly if they are a on a recessive gene.

Interesting stuff though.

[giovonni]

Yes~ i agree indigo~ anything that will enhance the gene~pool

[rosie]

"First established by Darwin in 1876, heterosis (or hybrid vigour) is a biological phenomenon that predicts that cross-breeding leads to offspring that are genetically fitter than their parents."

100% right on!

[giovonni]

Thank you rosie,
I 'm hoping thats one Darwinian~ we all can agree upon!

[Vidya Moksha]

I tend to find these mixed race people more intelligent as well...
perhaps the strangest and best example are the 'Burgers' in Sri Lanka, cross between the Dutch and the Sri Lankans...
from my distant memory, isnt this sometimes called F1 hybird vigour? ie first generation gets the 'most benefit' from this, then subsequent generations arent as 'vigorous' for want a a better word...

[giovonni]

Greeting's vidya,
Thank you for your comments~

Your observations are well taken, and i see you are keenly aware of this evolving and more accepting trend. Obviously, there are many explanations and reason for this. But it is my hope (from what i have observed) that this is (perhaps) part of the expanding consciousness of humankind. The blending of the all into (hopefully) one intelligent human race.