Why Do Some White People Fear Interbreeding When They Are Not Even Pure Sapiens and Have Neanderthal Genes?

It is often posited that white genes are superior and advanced, leading some individuals to fear interbreeding with other genetic backgrounds out of a sense of purity. However, this belief is deeply rooted in sociopolitical constructs more than scientific understanding.

Genetic Purity and Science

Scientifically, every individual, regardless of race, carries a mix of genetic traits from various human species, including Neanderthals. African individuals, for instance, also have a genetic link to archaic humans such as Homo heidelbergensis and Homo erectus. Therefore, claiming genetic purity based on the presence of Neanderthal or Denisovan DNA is both inaccurate and misleading.

Consider that white individuals and African individuals can interbreed without issues, producing fully fertile offspring. The South African population is a prime example, demonstrating that genetic diversity does not inherently cause problems.

The Social and Political Motivation

The real fear of interbreeding among some white individuals stems from the potential dilution of their dominant social and political position. Various forms of interracial taboos exist in different cultures, from the Jewish belief that Jews should not marry non-Jews to stringent rules regarding mixed-race marriages in the past, such as the One-Drop Rule in the pre-Civil War South and apartheid South Africa.

The primary concern, however, revolves around maintaining control over political, economic, and social power structures. Historically, white individuals of northern European descent have held significant advantages in these domains. Despite the abolition of slavery and some progress in civil rights, the descendants of these individuals continue to enjoy preferential treatment in various societal aspects, such as education, employment, and housing.

Interbreeding as a Threat to Privilege

One of the most compelling arguments against interbreeding is the fear that it would break the white monopoly on power. In societies where lineage and “race” determined status, the idea that a biracial child would not strictly adhere to the same racial classification could threaten the continued enforcement of racial privilege.

For instance, in the pre-Civil War South, the offspring of a white father and a black slave was considered black, reinforcing the slave system. Similarly, in apartheid South Africa, racial classification was used to maintain social stratification. If everyone were at least biracial, the rigid racial hierarchies established by white supremacists would crumble.

In conclusion, the fear of interbreeding among some white individuals is not based on scientific understanding but on maintaining a stronghold over social and political power. Genetic diversity is a reality, but it is the sociopolitical context that drives the fear and resistance to change.