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| The distinction between a race realist (of the second type) and a racist is that a race realist is opposed to pre-judging based upon racial stereotypes. A race realist believes that there are clear <i>correlations</i> between race and certain important traits due to the genes, and therefore does not pre-judge, whereas a racist believes in absolute racial stereotypes, and therefore does pre-judge. Also, a race realist is flexible in their beliefs in response to observation and scientific study, whereas a racist makes claimed observation and scientific study fall in line with one's pre-existing beliefs. | The distinction between a race realist (of the second type) and a racist is that a race realist is opposed to pre-judging based upon racial stereotypes. A race realist believes that there are clear <i>correlations</i> between race and certain important traits due to the genes, and therefore does not pre-judge, whereas a racist believes in absolute racial stereotypes, and therefore does pre-judge. Also, a race realist is flexible in their beliefs in response to observation and scientific study, whereas a racist makes claimed observation and scientific study fall in line with one's pre-existing beliefs. | ||
| Nonetheless, proponents of racial-egalitarianism often libellously state that scientific descriptions of racial distinctions are scientific racism, rather than normal science, and that race realists are racists. | |||
| == Examples of race realists == | == Examples of race realists == | ||
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| Psychology professor ], summarizes his racial realist stance: "from the evidence, I certainly believe that there are important and deep-seated race differences in psychological variables." | Psychology professor ], summarizes his racial realist stance: "from the evidence, I certainly believe that there are important and deep-seated race differences in psychological variables." | ||
| Two prominent African American race realists that have become hated by many people of their own race, as well as many | |||
| racial-egalitarians of other races, are ] and ]. | |||
| == Compare with == | == Compare with == | ||
Revision as of 23:30, 4 November 2006
Racial realism is a term used for either of two directly opposed positions, both motivated by the durability and social importance of racial distinctions:
- The belief that racial distinctions are socially constructed but enduringly important because dominant social forces continually reinforce them.
- The belief that racial distinctions are enduringly important because racial groups differ by nature (genetically) with regard to such important behavioral tendencies as intelligence and impulsiveness. This belief holds that racial distinctions are real and measurable, and emphasizes science over idealism. Examples of scientifically demonstrable racial distinctions are said to include different average height, decision and reaction times, IQ tendencies at the population level, crime rates, and medical characteristics, such as differing tendencies toward diseases such as osteoporosis or sickle cell anemia.
The second definition is the older and far more common definition.
The distinction between a race realist (of the second type) and a racist is that a race realist is opposed to pre-judging based upon racial stereotypes. A race realist believes that there are clear correlations between race and certain important traits due to the genes, and therefore does not pre-judge, whereas a racist believes in absolute racial stereotypes, and therefore does pre-judge. Also, a race realist is flexible in their beliefs in response to observation and scientific study, whereas a racist makes claimed observation and scientific study fall in line with one's pre-existing beliefs.
Examples of race realists
The beliefs of law professor Derrick Bell are characteristic of advocates of the first belief.
Psychology professor Ebony Smith, summarizes his racial realist stance: "from the evidence, I certainly believe that there are important and deep-seated race differences in psychological variables."
Compare with
External links
- Get Real about Race, by Chris Brand.
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