Question

The United States is often called the "melting pot" because people from all nations have made a home here. If someone has a grandmother from Brazil, for example, that came to live in the US, would relocating to Chicago change her grandkids’ skin tone phenotype? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The United States' "melting pot" metaphor does not affect one's genetics, and thus, relocating to cities like Chicago will not change a person's skin color phenotype determined by their DNA. Ethnic identity may be perceived differently in different cultures, but the genetic factors responsible for phenotypes remain constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of the United States as a "melting pot" reflects the cultural assimilation and blending of many different ethnicities and nationalities. However, this does not extend to phenotypical traits such as skin color. Phenotypes, including skin color, are determined by genetics, not geography. If someone has a grandmother from Brazil who came to live in the U.S., relocating to a city like Chicago will not change her grandchildren's skin tone phenotype.

Racial and ethnic identity can shift due to social constructs, and the way individuals are perceived or categorized might change based on the societal norms of their new home. However, these societal labels do not alter the genetic makeup that determines one's skin color. It might be important to also consider that over generations, due to a long history of intermarriage, a generic American identity may evolve, blending different cultural norms into the fabric of American life.

Answer 2

Technically no

Step-by-step explanation:

Technically no. The skin tone of the individual is caused by two factors, one is genetic and the other is environmental. The genetic factor will continue being there since the grandkids would be descendants of the grandmother. The environmental factor can change skin tone phenotype over the course of an individual's life. Although in this scenario, both locations have the same type of weather. Both Brazil and California are incredibly hot locations all year round.