Ep 2. Is There a Superior Race?

Through the Wormhole season 3 episode 2, titled "Is There a Superior Race?", delves into the concept of human genetic diversity and explores the question of whether some races are inherently superior to others.

Hosted by Morgan Freeman, the episode features interviews with scientists and experts from various fields who share their insights on this sensitive issue. The episode starts off by acknowledging the controversial history of race relations and the negative impact that the idea of racial superiority has had on society. The host asserts that the aim of the episode is to understand what science can tell us about the subject, and how genetics can either corroborate or debunk the notion of a superior race.

The episode begins with a visit to the laboratory of geneticist Spencer Wells, who explains the science of human migration patterns and genetic diversity. The host points out that humans who migrated to different regions on the planet eventually adapted to their local environment, leading to variations in physical traits and skin color. This, in turn, led to the classification of different races based on these traits, which has been a contentious issue for centuries.

To further explore the subject, the episode features several case studies where scientists are investigating the genetic differences between different races. For instance, the episode takes us to the lab of geneticist Neil Risch, who is studying differences in disease risk between different ethnic groups. He explains that certain genetic mutations are more common in some populations than others, which can make them more susceptible to certain diseases. However, Risch emphasizes that this doesn't necessarily mean that one race is superior to another; rather, it's just a matter of genetic variation.

The episode also explores the controversial subject of intelligence and whether it's linked to genetics. The host interviews several experts who hold different viewpoints on the matter, ranging from the assertion that some races are inherently smarter than others to the belief that intelligence is mostly determined by environmental factors. One of the scientists interviewed, Robert Sternberg, explains that intelligence is a complex trait that cannot be accurately measured using standard IQ tests. He also notes that IQ scores are influenced by factors such as education and socioeconomic status, which can vary greatly between different races and ethnicities.

Another interesting aspect of the episode is the exploration of the concept of race in the context of genetics. The host visits the lab of geneticist Sarah Tishkoff, who studies the genetic diversity of various African populations. Tishkoff explains that the concept of race is often used to describe physical traits, but from a genetic standpoint, there is much more diversity within races than between them. She also notes that the idea of race is a relatively recent social construct, and that genetic differences between populations are not as clear-cut as some might think.

Overall, Through the Wormhole season 3 episode 2 offers a thought-provoking look at a sensitive subject. By exploring the science behind race and genetics, the episode sheds new light on the complexities of this issue and challenges many of the assumptions that people hold about race. While the episode doesn't provide a definitive answer to the question of whether there is a superior race, it encourages viewers to approach the subject with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the latest scientific research.