He mentions all of humanity's beginning in Africa, playing off the idea that the only reason there are physical differences between human beings is because of the environmental conditions we evolved in were different based on proximity. That does not make us different races, but just variations of the same species. Fish then turns to go further into a discussion of evolution and how that was the major catalyst for any differences. People have different color skin because adaptation led them to adjust to their physical surroundings so that they could better survive. Yet, biologically, underneath these adaptations, we are still the same creature. The specific evidence and discussion of a number of different "racial" features in relation to the environment that helped evolve them provides a sense of depth and strength to the author's claim. He is speaking from a very educated perspective; one where the evidence is allowed to speak for itself.
Overall,...
It is very conversational and modern, while still providing a strong foundation in presenting an authoritative voice that has the right to speak on the subject at hand. Fish blends together seamlessly his own personal experiences with an objective account of the real world that would be considered a more anthropological voice. His description of his daughter's experience is compelling to the reader and sets up his later discussion on the social nature of race beautifully. Fish consistently asks questions which lead directly into a closer examination of the topics those questions arise throughout the essay. It brought an interesting new perspective that can help change one's outlook on race in today's world.
References
Fish, Jefferson M. "Mixed Blood." Psychology Tdoay. 1995. Web. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199511/mixed-blood
