Charles Darwin's 'Blushing In Color Of Wonder'

Naomi Falk

Miss Roth

English 1-2 Period 6

21 March 2017

Blush: Color of Wonder When one cares about others and takes interest, they frequently blush (Probyn X). “Blushing is the most peculiar of all human expressions. -Charles Darwin” (Casperson n.p.). It seems like a simple thing, since blushing is done by every human being. One would think it is direct science, but it can become pretty elaborate once an individual dives deeper into the research. Also, it is not something to be shameful of, since everyone does it. Many are scared and shameful of blushing in public because it is socially unacceptable to blush in public. The group too scared and ashamed of blushing does not realize how incredible the body truly is for causing blush. Every

“When you're embarrassed… speeding up your heart rate…” (Robertson n.p.). The quote ties in with the topic because not only is it talking about blushing, but it specifically talks about an increased heart rate. This quote not only perfectly fits in with the topic, but it tells about when it happens, specifically when one is embarrassed. According to Charles Darwin, the increased heart rate does not lead to the reddening of the face (Darwin 310). Darwin disagreed with most of the

Falk 2 scientists about how the heart rate and the blood flow to the face went together, but gives a different opinion and discovery. Reading about other scientists’ discoveries is intriguing, but Darwin’s specific discovery really does give perspective on the thoughts of scientists in the 1900s. An increase in heart rate is argued over whether or not it causes blush, but it happens when one is embarrassed, which makes scientists believe it is a cause of blushing.

The reddened face when one is embarrassed is caused by a rapid

The blood vessels dilate, causing the color to become more visible. “The muscles in the walls of your face relax and allow more blood to flow” (Martin n.p.). The muscles in the face are a huge help in moving the blood to the surface. Without the help of the muscles, there would be no such thing as blush because the blood would not be able to make it to the face. “Sometimes when blood rushes to the face, it’s out of past memory instead of embarrassment” (Probyn 2). Many believe that blushing happens just when embarrassed, but in reality, it can happen when remembering certain memories. Memories can also bring back the embarrassment, so it can be from both. The reason the face, ears, and neck turn red is because they are exposed more to the air, light, and temperature change, causing the arteries to dilate and contract easier (Darwin 314). Charles Darwin’s scientific evidence about how one blushes is incredibly different than what many other scientists say. The areas that get the most red are exposed more to the environment than the rest of the body, which helps the arteries to contract more and let out more blood vessels to create a red face when embarrassed. The blood rush caused by an adrenaline rush, which causes an uncontrollable redness; blush can not be controlled (Martin n.p.). The dilation of the blood vessels and arteries is completely uncontrollable. This is important to