Scientific Racism Research Paper
Scientific racism is racism found in scientific studies such as those suggesting that different races have genetic markers that can determine things such as personality, athletic ability, temperament, etc. One example is how many articles during the Olympics pose the question do different races have a better advantage at certain sports. Byrd and Hughey show many different current examples of how scientific racism is still a problem. They point to one study that suggests that genetic diversity between different communities is a large force behind group conflict. This study suggests that race has a biological factor, which can cause tension between groups. However, science has yet to find any biological markers for race. The authors also point
out the concept of racial essentialism and biological determinism still being used in current works. Racial essentialism is the belief that different racial groups have unique traits and behaviors that belong to them. Biological determinism is the concept that race is a genetic factor and will determine a person’s behavior. The authors mention that most of these studies are not looking at social factors, and instead are trying to make genetics that cause of differences between races or cultures. Even though there are still no genetic markers for race. The authors also mention the Charleston, S.C., massacre shooter, Dylann Roof, who wrote that, “Negroes have lower IQs, lower impulse control, and higher testosterone levels in general. These three things alone are a recipe for violent behavior.” This is an extremely dangerous example of how studies such as the ones the authors mentioned are driving factors for people like Roof to believe race determines behavior. In the article it is mentioned that white people are more likely to think that black people’s behavior is more influenced by genetics, while also believing that white people’s behavior is influenced by their environment. Scientific racism I believe is a large reason why people still believe that race determines behavior, even when we have no race “gene”.
out the concept of racial essentialism and biological determinism still being used in current works. Racial essentialism is the belief that different racial groups have unique traits and behaviors that belong to them. Biological determinism is the concept that race is a genetic factor and will determine a person’s behavior. The authors mention that most of these studies are not looking at social factors, and instead are trying to make genetics that cause of differences between races or cultures. Even though there are still no genetic markers for race. The authors also mention the Charleston, S.C., massacre shooter, Dylann Roof, who wrote that, “Negroes have lower IQs, lower impulse control, and higher testosterone levels in general. These three things alone are a recipe for violent behavior.” This is an extremely dangerous example of how studies such as the ones the authors mentioned are driving factors for people like Roof to believe race determines behavior. In the article it is mentioned that white people are more likely to think that black people’s behavior is more influenced by genetics, while also believing that white people’s behavior is influenced by their environment. Scientific racism I believe is a large reason why people still believe that race determines behavior, even when we have no race “gene”.