←back to thread

279 points petethomas | 4 comments | | HN request time: 0.001s | source
Show context
pinkmuffinere ◴[] No.45298755[source]
It’s tempting to see things like this and think “well of course it does, because that’s how we evolved”. But I think that might just be post-rationalization? At the very least, I think the argument _doesn’t_ hold for periodic famine, extreme temperatures, most disease, etc even though we also evolved with those things. Is there any guiding principle that separates the things-we-evolved-with-that-are-good vs the -that-are-bad? Or is it really just a case-by-case examination?
replies(5): >>45298762 #>>45299023 #>>45299467 #>>45299663 #>>45304373 #
brightball ◴[] No.45304373[source]
Since I was a little kid I was always skeptical of slathering something all over my body just to go outside. Just thought…how did people survive before this stuff if we really need it so bad.
replies(12): >>45304403 #>>45304421 #>>45304484 #>>45304495 #>>45304592 #>>45304894 #>>45305979 #>>45306448 #>>45306482 #>>45308405 #>>45309932 #>>45311267 #
1. pitpatagain ◴[] No.45304592[source]
People didn't used to expose themselves to as much direct sun and covered themselves with a lot more clothes. Traditional clothing in arid sunny areas typically covers everything, look at people in the middle east today.

I live in a very sunny desert area and it's kind of funny when people assume people from here would be "more tanned". We stay in the shade, the sun will kill you! Anyone working outside is wearing wide brimmed hats and typically has all of their skin covered with clothing even in the heat, people typically have their faces covered with cloth as well.

Spending time outside with minimal clothing in direct midday sun is a modern weird behavior.

replies(3): >>45304952 #>>45306393 #>>45307879 #
2. seemaze ◴[] No.45304952[source]
Absolutely agree.

I'm find myself aghast when I travel to different environments and observe people laying in direct sun almost naked. Not that I think they shouldn't, it's just such a stark contrast to my norm. I'll end up with a painful sunburn if I venture outside uncovered for more than 10 minutes at home.

3. whatevertrevor ◴[] No.45306393[source]
Yup, I grew up in a hot subtropical climate and the best counter to the summer was to stay indoors, hydrate. If you have to be outdoors, stay in the shade, if you have to be exposed to the sun, cover yourself. All of the benefits you get from being in direct sunlight can be gained with just being outdoors in shaded areas, maybe for a slightly longer time.

The way western culture glorifies direct exposure to the sun is always hilarious to me, everyone lining up to burn their skin for hours on end to "catch up" on sunlight exposure. Instead of just playing an outdoor sport under some trees or being outdoors in the morning/evening when sunlight is a lot less potent and weather is a lot more pleasant.

4. xenospn ◴[] No.45307879[source]
People in greece/israel/italy/etc don't cover themselves much and they have very long lives.