- #1
thetaobums
- 13
- 0
Or is it actually higher hairlines? What is the genetic reason for this?
Why do White people have such large foreheads?
- Thread starter thetaobums
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the perceived size of foreheads among different racial groups, particularly focusing on the genetic and physical factors that may contribute to variations in forehead size and hairline height. Participants explore the implications of hairline shape, forehead shape, and other anatomical features in shaping perceptions of forehead size.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the premise that white people have larger foreheads, suggesting that many races exhibit high hairlines or large foreheads.
- One participant proposes that the perceived size of a forehead is influenced by the shape and height of the hairline, noting that variations in hairline can create different visual effects.
- Another participant discusses how the presence or absence of hair above the temples can affect the appearance of forehead size, suggesting that a smooth hairline may create a different perception compared to an angular one.
- There are mentions of potential ethnic tendencies in hairline shapes and forehead sizes, with some participants suggesting that these may contribute to generalized perceptions.
- A participant humorously shares a personal grooming practice related to forehead appearance, which adds a light-hearted element to the discussion.
- One participant asserts that the reasons for forehead size are universal among all people, without specifying further.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the relationship between race, forehead size, and hairline shape. Participants express differing opinions on the validity of the original claim and the factors influencing forehead perception.
Contextual Notes
Participants do not reach a consensus on the genetic or anatomical reasons behind the perceived differences in forehead size, and the discussion includes various assumptions about ethnic characteristics and individual grooming practices.
- #2
Evo
Staff Emeritus
- 24,114
- 3,277
People of many races have high hairlines/large foreheads. Where are you getting this from?
- #3
onomatomanic
- 103
- 1
I think the perceived size of one's forehead has a lot to do with the shape as well as the height of one's hairline.
Specifically, on what happens above the temple, in the place in which this model's hair is sparser than everywhere else (skin shines through). If there is hair there, the hairline is a more or less smooth curve from one ear to the other. If there is no hair there, the hairline is more or less angular - straight up from the ears, and then either straight across or with another angle (a "widow's peak") in the centre. If this model were to shave those places, it would make her forehead considerably more prominent, even though the actual increase in area is only on the order of a few square centimetres.
It's my impression that the single-curve hairline is found more frequently among blacks than whites, which would explain the OP's generalized perception. Needless to say, there are plenty of counter-examples, though. Which is not to say that there may not be other contributions: Actual differences in forehead-shape, or wider cheekbones which make foreheads look smaller in comparison, or more voluminous hair which again make a forehead look smaller, et cetera. And there may be ethnic tendencies either way, in each case. Lastly, even skin- and hair-colour itself can likely influence size-perception, to some extent.
Specifically, on what happens above the temple, in the place in which this model's hair is sparser than everywhere else (skin shines through). If there is hair there, the hairline is a more or less smooth curve from one ear to the other. If there is no hair there, the hairline is more or less angular - straight up from the ears, and then either straight across or with another angle (a "widow's peak") in the centre. If this model were to shave those places, it would make her forehead considerably more prominent, even though the actual increase in area is only on the order of a few square centimetres.
It's my impression that the single-curve hairline is found more frequently among blacks than whites, which would explain the OP's generalized perception. Needless to say, there are plenty of counter-examples, though. Which is not to say that there may not be other contributions: Actual differences in forehead-shape, or wider cheekbones which make foreheads look smaller in comparison, or more voluminous hair which again make a forehead look smaller, et cetera. And there may be ethnic tendencies either way, in each case. Lastly, even skin- and hair-colour itself can likely influence size-perception, to some extent.
- #4
RabbitWho
- 152
- 18
I pluck my upper forehead like an early renaissance princess.
- #5
Jimmy Snyder
- 1,137
- 21
Same reason all people do.
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