Exhibition showcases how alike we really are
The All from One campaign seeks to commit people from across the world to four human ideals validated by the science of our origins.
The Palaeontological Scientific Trust‘s (PAST) All from One campaign and exhibition at Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind Heritage Site, celebrates Africa as the birthplace of humankind.
At the same time, it continues in its goal of improving the public’s awareness of its shared origins and the shared origins of all life forms in 2017. A lack of tolerance for others is one of the major ills besetting society today, but the campaign heralds the remarkable fact that 99,9 per cent of the 3,2 billion nucleotides in your genome occur in the same sequence as in as any other member of the human species, with just a few genes making for the differences in skin colour, according to Professor Robert Blumenschine, chief scientist at PAST.
“When we use science as our guide, it is clear the racial distinctions that began to appear only as recently as 50 000 years ago as our ancestors populated the world from the African homeland are superficial and have no bearing on our capabilities or character,” said the PAST CEO, Andrea Leenen.
“Our future is rooted in our common humanity and it is this common humanity that can act as a powerful tool for securing a vibrant, peaceful society. It is right here in Africa where this journey of understanding and action truly begins,” said Andrea.
The All from One campaign seeks to commit people from across the world to four human ideals validated by the science of our origins: tolerance, unity, collaboration and conservation. People will be able to commit to these four campaign ideals at the exhibition or online at www.past.org.za.
“If we are through and through an African species, people everywhere need to understand they all emerged from a common ancestor. To continue looking to skin colour and our other minor differences, whether they are physical or cultural, to pursue different future paths will not move us forward,” said Andrea.
The exhibition will continue to be located at Maropeng until the end of April. Included in the normal ticket price and considered a wonderful added value, is the Maropeng Exhibition experience. For more information about Maropeng go to www.maropeng.co.za.
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