Are there differences based on race? It is a question that needs to be asked. The simple and obvious answer is, “Yes”. People with dark skin tend to resist sunburn more than light skinned people. I understand that some groups have differences in their teeth so that skeletons can be identified. I had a doctor tell me that some have different ways in which their muscles connect to their bones. A better question is, “Are there any differences that should make a difference?”
In order to answer that you need to learn a little about statistics and the used of data. You need to understand the difference between stereotype and generalization. Stereotypes can be accurate but usually are used to reach erroneous conclusions. As an example look at the popular statement that women are more emotional than men. Someone said that. It wasn’t me. I am just repeating what I heard. Don’t get upset ladies. The fact is that it is true but doesn’t really have much application in things like hiring taxi drivers or engineers. Stereotypes are usually used to manipulate and control. Don’t get them confused with generalizations.
Generalizations are useful statements of trends. They are statements that are true over a large group of people but are useless in application to individuals. Thus men are taller than women but it does not mean that any one woman is taller than any one man. They might be useful in deciding how many bathrooms to install but not in determining quotas in hiring nurses.
We need to stop being afraid of differences. There are so many variables in life that we get really confused if we think a few superficial similarities are significant. There is nothing wrong with liking people that like what we like. And even that changes. I have met people that I could have a great conversation with over coffee but if we were near a bar I would want nothing to do with them. I had a friend that was always trying to get me to learn a song by Nirvana. He made the mistake of giving me a CD with the lyrics inside. One look at the words and I lost all interest in his music. He was still a friend as long as he didn’t try to play his music.
Why are things like skin color so significant? They aren’t unless you happen to be a racist or very simple minded.
To be continued...
homo unius libri
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