Humans and their cultures vary considerably according to where they appear on the globe and in what epoch they developed. While there are notable difference in cultures there are also many similarities. Knowledge of the differences and similarities among the many cultures of humanity is essential to our understanding one another, groups, societies, and the nations of the world.
Humans themselves are as diverse as their cultures. For instance, we vary physically in height, frame size, skin color, hair type, nose shape, cranio-facial structures, sex and gender, distribution of fat, and so on. Are visible physical differences tied to other differences among people? Why do some types of difference take on significant meaning in some societies while others are meaningless? Knowledge of our human diversity is a critical element in our ability to understand ourselves and others.
