mimo2005

One of the world’s most respected scientists is embroiled in an extraordinary row after claiming that black people are less intelligent than white people.

James Watson, a Nobel Prize winner for his part in discovering the structure of DNA, has provoked outrage with his comments, made ahead of his arrival in Britain today.

More fierce criticism of the eminent scientist is expected as he embarks on a number of engagements to promote a new book ‘Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science’. Among his first commitments is a speech to a London audience at the Science Museum on Friday. The event is sold out.

Dr Watson, who runs one of America’s leading scientific research institutions, made the controversial remarks in an interview in The Sunday Times.


More :
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...=null&offset=0

-=Rousseau=-

Even if the results of that study were valid, which I doubt, presenting them is worthless. Why even do the study? It has no benefit. It only provides an "excuse" for racists... I would have never expected such from Watson... A shame really.

40sondacurb

Is there a specific study he's referring to? I understood him to be talking in general about a range of studies. In fact the other scientist they interviewed said the studies do not show a genetic disparity in regards to intelligence, so I think he's off base even in that regard Rousseau.

But regardless, the man is an obvious sensationalist making comments like:

• a woman should have the right to abort her unborn child if tests could determine it would be homosexual.
• suggesting a link between skin colour and sex drive, proposing a theory that black people have higher libidos.
• and saying genetics should be used to make more pretty girls

I wonder why his bigoted and prejudiced crystal ball prediction, "genes responsible for creating differences in human intelligence could be found within a decade," would even be published without scientific backing when, like I said, he's obviously a sensationalist blow hard.

kinbard

I've always thought it odd measuring intelligence. Different genders/races/nationalities way of perceiving things are different, so how can you even begin to get a base point for comparison?

40sondacurb

"He said he hoped that everyone was equal, but countered that 'people who have to deal with black employees find this not true'."

It's quite obvious he's using a sound scientific method of evaluation.

kinbard

Sounds like more of an instigator to me.

cstr20cstr

If it's true, it's only because of how blacks are relentlessly victimized by liberals and other left-wing groups (in educational settings), and the lower educational standards in the "affirmative action" setting. Not to mention this attitude that it's a "white thing" to become a scientist or buisnessman/woman.
Where does that leave blacks to go ? They can either go to college to become a left-wing black activist (encouraged in "African American Studies" type classes and other liberal arts classes), or an inner city junky.

kinbard

There are many, many African Americans who have become very sucessful. They had to work hard at it, but they did it. Although there is bias in the western world, it is no where near what it used to be, and they have a better chance than ever before. The problem is people tend to look to the past, which can not be changed, instead of the future, which can. And yes, the past is what caused the present etc. Ok, now what? How about lets move forward.

cstr20cstr

Just look at where it gets some of them though (from the perspective of left-wing groups and black activists), VERY successful blacks like Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas are considered "oreo cookies". Even NAACP opposed his appointment !!!!
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.c...dline=s2i25504
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...as,%20Clarence

mimo2005

I think so too , i don't understand how can he comes up with such dramatic conclusions .

Nik00117

What he said was merely a observation, and he did say this. He also said their are some very talented poeple who are black in this world very smart as well however in his studies he saw a clear intelligence lacking in blacks.

Its an observation, and from what i've seen he is not far from the truth. Granted one of the most well achieved kids I know is black, but hes an exterme expection typically I don't see much outta black kids and i'm not even remotely attempting to be racist here.

40sondacurb

So you don't attribute the intelligence of the of that particular kid you know to his race, but it is apparently an easy step to attribute the ignorance of those others to their genetic heritage...

That sounds like a very selective way of view of things to me.

Also I'd like to know how someone can determine that in the past 6 centuries, since Europe built a civilization rivaling those of Asia Minor or Northern Africa(a foot note, especially in evolutionary history), they acquired this extraordinary intellectual advantage.

mimo2005

Nobel-winning biologist apologizes for remarks about blacks

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe...ex.html?FARKnr

Chode

Well, cstr, when you're right.. but wait! That hasn't happened yet and never will. I truly feel sorry for all those poor darkies that have been "victimized" by Liberals into believing they're as good as White folks. Shoo! So sad that some of them could ever aspire to be great actors, poets, singers, musicians... Durn. Ain't them all traditional Nigra occupations? How about mayors, Senators, Legislators, Secretary of State, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? Lawsie me! I feel so bad for all dem po' coons, that I'se gonna take my gitar and play some blues! I gwine call it de "Jesus Hep Me, but I Tink all Mens be Mens Blues".

Yes, some elements of Black culture don't appreciate learning and achievement. Some Honkys don't too. We call them "Rednecks". Mostly, they vote Republican.

mikeber

This my brother, is pure racism! You cannot judge by the achievements (or the lack of) of a few kids about the genetics of more that 1 billion people. Cultural factors are involved here.
While I don't buy what people like Rev. Al Sharpton do (finding racism in every corner), what James Watson said is 100% racism!!!
Most people confuse between racism and ethnic /cultural differences. If one says that he does not appreciate some aspects of African American culture, he is not necessary a racist. Most people feel good about their own while at the same time they might dislike different cultures.
Here however, is a case of a scientist who claims that some people are genetically inferior. All people who originate from the African continent (wherever they are today...). Their ancestors had been inferior. Even more painful - their children will also be inferior and there is little they can do about that!!!
These are the most outrageous remarks someone can make!!!
Judging from how some black employees behave here and today about the genetic structure of ALL African descends is extremely far-fetched and absolutely worthless. The most Watson could claim is that HE has issues with the work ethics of some black people.

Nik00117

What i'm saying is, from what i've seen from what I witness generally even with the same background the white kid seems more intelligent. Why? IDK he just does, now one of the smartest kids I know is black however I think mr. watson saw a observation and reported it.

Its like me notcing that the sun rises and sets. Thats not a bad thing thats a observation.

And i'm not saying blacksa re typically morons, in fact they could be very smart however lets take a look at the average and see what the numbers say.

If i'd be racist I wouldn't be talking to the girl about dating her that I am, I assure you do not need to be considering me to be racist, a realist yes, i'm attempting to bring out a point of view which no one here seems to see.

40sondacurb

If people are telling a nobeloriate where he can shove his 2 cents where do you think you stand. Nobody wants to hear about your qualitative and slanted observations, and for good reason, these statements serve no purpose other than to create discord and ire.

When you and Watson find that gene you're so sure is there in 10 years then give us a call, but until then you're just whistling Dixie. Excuse the pun.

Nik00117

I believe me. 40sondacurb is getting a bit upset.

If its an observation that stastically seems true then what says its false? I think poeple are just over hyping it.

40sondacurb

By that argument you could say white people are worse at sports just because statistically there are more top black athletes. Never mind the fact that this is more likely to be the cause of white culture's diminished emphasis on athletic pursuits over the years. No you wouldn't pay any mind to any relevant augmenting factors or extenuating circumstances, data like that only makes you have to think harder and we can't have that.

But it's just an observation that statically seems true. What is to say it's false?

Well I don't know Nik, maybe the fact that it's bull****.

Nik00117

O someones getting a bit testy, maybe the black race is superior at sports and slighlty infieior at intellgience.

It appears to me to be a scitenfic observation, its not coming outta thin air here. I'm not a racist however I can still understand what that person meant by his commets that he has observed this and he believes this to be true because of this and that and so forth. I've come to grips with it, why can't you?

All my mangers are black, well expect 1, I get along with them just fine don't got a single issue with them, well anything serious that is they all have a few annoyances such as one who constantly points out the plainly obvious or one who is always talking to me about leadership, how hes following his ministry, and how god and being a good christian is so important, sometimes he enjoys empahzing hes not perfect besides those annoyances I love working with them, my co-worker is black we are best friends, i'm not a racist however I can still see his point of view, which in a debate is important.