Lois Posted September 28 Anthropological Types of People Living in Los Angeles Los Angeles is one of the most multinational cities in the world. Therefore, there is no single "anthropological type" of its inhabitants, as one might find in a traditional ethnic group. Instead, it is a mosaic of different anthropological complexes shaped by migration. 🔹 Main Anthropological Types in Los Angeles European (Euro-American, "white") Nordic (tall, fair skin, light or blond hair, blue/gray eyes). Mediterranean (darker skin, dark hair, brown eyes, shorter stature). Alpine (medium height, rounder face, chestnut hair). 👉 These make up the white population, descending from various waves of immigration from Europe. Latino (the largest group in LA, over 45% of the population) Mestizo — a mix of European and Amerindian traits: darker skin, straight black hair, brown eyes, medium height. Amerindian (Indigenous) — darker skin, broad face, straight nose, solid build. 👉 Particularly common are people of Mexican, Salvadoran, and Guatemalan descent. African American Mainly Sudanese (Negroid) type: dark skin, curly hair, broad lips, wide nose. Also Ethiopid/Eritrean (East African) type: narrower face, finer features, tall stature. 👉 Around 8–9% of LA’s population, including descendants of slaves from the American South and newer African immigrants. Asian (around 12%) East Asian Mongoloid types: Chinese, Korean, Japanese — straight black hair, yellowish skin tone, epicanthic fold, medium stature. Southeast Asian types (Filipino, Vietnamese, Thai) — darker skin, shorter stature. South Asian types (Indians, Pakistanis) — dark hair, darker skin, prominent nose, large eyes. Middle Eastern and Armenian Communities Iranoid type (long-headed, dark hair, aquiline nose, brown eyes). Armenoid type (solid build, thick hair, darker skin). 👉 Los Angeles has one of the world’s largest Armenian diasporas (notably in Glendale). Mixed Types (Mestizos, Mulattos, Eurasians) LA is a city of interethnic marriages. Common are Mulattos (European + African), Mestizos (European + Amerindian), and Eurasians (European + Asian). 👉 Anthropological diversity is very visible in the streets of the city. ⚡ Conclusion The anthropological composition of Los Angeles is an extremely diverse combination: European (Nordic, Mediterranean, Alpine), Amerindian and Mestizo, African (Negroid, East African), Asian (East Asian, South Asian), Middle Eastern (Iranoid, Armenoid), and numerous mixed types. In short, Los Angeles is an anthropological "Babylon", where almost every major human racial-ethnographic complex is represented. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nungali Posted September 29 Anthropological type ? An "anthropological type" refers to a discredited historical concept from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that involved categorizing humans into distinct racial groups based on observable physical traits like skin color or head shape Like Nazis and Apartheid used to do ! . This typological model, used to define categories such as Negroid or Caucasoid races, is now considered scientifically invalid and is rejected by modern anthropology. Current understanding acknowledges that such traits are simple variations influenced by environmental factors, not inherent categories of people. You might be trying to talk about 'ethnic groups' ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sanity Check Posted September 29 (edited) I'm not certain where LA would rate in mixed ethnicities and cultures. Places like brazil and hawaii are more mixed over longer spans of time. LA's multiculturalism is more recent and less defined. While on the opposite end of the spectrum, nations like israel would rate lowest in terms of diversity. These trends carry implications which aren't much publicized. Being of mixed heritage correlates with having a better genetic diversity and better immune system. While less genetic diversity can correlate with reduced immune system function and other negative health conditions. This is illustrated by israel recognizing their geographic isolation translates to reduced genetic diversity and reduced immune function on average. Leading to israel becoming one of the most vaccinated nations on earth during COVID. Interestingly enough africans are usually known for having high genetic diversity. But for whatever reason it usually doesn't translate to good assimilation and adaptability for immigrants. Which might suggest culture and family values are more important than genes in terms of being able to assimilate and adapt to society. There was a study done on infants born addicted to crack cocaine over I think it was a multi decade period of time. Where it was found being born into poverty and surrounded by negative conditions and negative people, was far more debilitating a condition then being an infant born addicted to crack. (Due to the mother being an addict while pregnant) There might be observations and conclusions that could be drawn from existing and old data. But for whatever reason that's not something that happens much at all today. Edited September 29 by Sanity Check Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Master Logray Posted September 29 9 hours ago, Lois said: Anthropological Types of People Living in Los Angeles Los Angeles is one of the most multinational cities in the world. Therefore, there is no single "anthropological type" of its inhabitants, as one might find in a traditional ethnic group. Instead, it is a mosaic of different anthropological complexes shaped by migration. Really? Some Gulf nations have foreigner from all over the world and occupy more than 70% of their population. Some smaller European states have more than 50%. And how about New York? Los Angeles is inherently not very multinational when it has a big ocean to its side and the only neighbour is Mexico. 2 hours ago, Sanity Check said: Being of mixed heritage correlates with having a better genetic diversity and better immune system. While less genetic diversity can correlate with reduced immune system function and other negative health conditions. It is said to be true for animals and plants, but does it apply to humans when we have a society? Indeed when a pandemic comes, the more diversity means some people would be spared and become the source for cures. But from another angle, when sickness strikes, the cures or vaccines would be developed for the majority only or at least for initial period. The minority would be left to themselves. Nowadays pharmaceuticals don't have sufficient incentive to develop medicine for some sicknesses simply because the target group is not big enough. Money also determines evolution these days. By the way it is generally observed for a long time that Chinese and European mixed are more beautiful, stronger, smarter than their parent sides. Yet they also age faster than normal. There are pros and cons in mixing races. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerard Posted September 29 Them too: Don't forget the glasses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sanity Check Posted September 29 1 hour ago, Master Logray said: It is said to be true for animals and plants, but does it apply to humans when we have a society? Indeed when a pandemic comes, the more diversity means some people would be spared and become the source for cures. But from another angle, when sickness strikes, the cures or vaccines would be developed for the majority only or at least for initial period. The minority would be left to themselves. Nowadays pharmaceuticals don't have sufficient incentive to develop medicine for some sicknesses simply because the target group is not big enough. Money also determines evolution these days. By the way it is generally observed for a long time that Chinese and European mixed are more beautiful, stronger, smarter than their parent sides. Yet they also age faster than normal. There are pros and cons in mixing races. There are many things said about the pharmaceutical industry that are simply not true. Mixed versus non mixed heritage is difficult to define. I think purebred trends towards having certain traits be more strongly defined. Mixed heritage is more flexible with less definition. If mixed heritage ages faster, it would likely be due to increased stress associated with not having as strongly defined an ancestry and not fitting in as easily in society. It would be due to societal rather than purely biological reasons. Likewise with intelligence, I don't think mixed heritage leads to smarter children. But rather children more flexible and adaptive in their cognitive function. Like you said pros and cons. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lois Posted September 29 11 hours ago, Nungali said: Anthropological type ? An "anthropological type" refers to a discredited historical concept from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that involved categorizing humans into distinct racial groups based on observable physical traits like skin color or head shape Like Nazis and Apartheid used to do ! . This typological model, used to define categories such as Negroid or Caucasoid races, is now considered scientifically invalid and is rejected by modern anthropology. Current understanding acknowledges that such traits are simple variations influenced by environmental factors, not inherent categories of people. You might be trying to talk about 'ethnic groups' ? 1. Historical context If you encounter this expression in older texts (19th – early 20th century), it should be understood as a reflection of the scientific thinking of that time. It belonged to “physical anthropology,” which measured skulls, noses, etc., and drew conclusions about “types of people.” Modern science recognizes these approaches as pseudoscientific. 👉 Correct usage example: “In early 20th-century works, the peoples of the Caucasus were described as a distinct anthropological type, which is now considered an outdated classification.” 2. Contemporary application (in the humanities) In modern anthropology, the term can be used metaphorically or in cultural studies: as a designation of a conditional ‘portrait’ of a person in a given culture or era (for example, “the Soviet anthropological type” — the image of a person with typical habits and worldview); as a characteristic of social behavior rather than biology (for example, “the urban anthropological type”). 👉 Correct usage example: “In U.S. mass culture of the 1950s, an anthropological type of the average city dweller was formed — a white male, office worker, with a family and a house in the suburbs.” 3. In scientific perspective Today anthropology and human biology no longer speak of “types” but rather of: populations (groups of people with shared histories of migration and genetic exchange), phenotypes (the sum of observable traits), cultural patterns (stable models of behavior). So if the term anthropological type is used at all, it should be clarified that it refers not to racial classification, but to a cultural or social construct. ✅ Conclusion: today the term anthropological type can be applied correctly either: as a metaphor in cultural studies or philosophy (to denote a conditional image of a person). as a historical term (with a note that it is outdated), Examples of contemporary “anthropological types” in Los Angeles: The Hollywood Dreamer A young man or woman who came to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film or music. Typical traits: ambitious, willing to work as a waiter/barista for the sake of a “chance,” living in a rented apartment with roommates. The Health-Conscious Surfer A resident of the coastal areas for whom the ocean is the center of life. Typical traits: athletic build, devotion to fitness and vegan diets, mornings start with surfing and evenings end with yoga or meditation. The Tech-Creative (Silicon Beach) Someone working in startups, AI, or digital design (in areas like Santa Monica or Venice). Typical traits: coworking spaces, minimalist style, innovation-oriented, flexible schedules. 👉 These “types” are not about physical appearance but rather about cultural life patterns shaped by the city’s environment. The Immigrant Worker A member of one of the many immigrant communities (Latin American, Asian, etc.). Typical traits: strong ties to cultural roots, working in services or small businesses, tightly knit family and local networks. The Hollywood Professional Someone who has already established a career in the film industry or show business. Typical traits: constant involvement in productions, high level of competition, living in areas like Studio City or Beverly Hills. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Surya Posted September 29 @Lois what I find more interesting than listing up various ethnic groups and their percentage, and concluding that LA is diverse, is reflections on how you think said diversity has impacted the place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apech Posted September 29 Thread locked. DaoBums does not support the use of race to analyze human nature or behavior. Please avoid this topic. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
