I completely understand the intellectual transformation your step-father went through. Historical narratives can be so powerful that they distort the past and how we imagine our ancestry, and our place within the human species. I think that is why it is so important for 21st century historians to deconstruct the eurocentric narratives that were constructed in the past. For the most part I feel they are doing a good job of this. When I write about the past I try my best to do this as well. Although I constantly encounter obstacles because for many time periods there just aren't enough (or any) written records with which to find a deeper meaning and context about a certain group of people. In those situations integration with anthropological and archaeological knowledge becomes essential. Thanks for your comment.