OT: What is a race? (Was: Big Wave) [Archive] - Used Car Forums

PDA

View Full Version : OT: What is a race? (Was: Big Wave)



Verdigris
01-21-2005, 03:18 AM
On Fri, 07 Jan 2005 07:22:43 +0000, The Older Gentleman wrote:

<SNIP>

> I'm not wriggling. Kindly note that I have stuck to one theme when arguing
> with you: my remark was not racist. It may have been insulting to people
> of a certain religion, but not race. Insulting someone's religion is not
> racist.

With some trepidation, I'd be interested in knowing what you and others
consider to be a race.

As a few points to consider...
Are the Irish a race?
Are the Jews a race? If so, are they a different race to the arabs,
with whom they share a common (genetic) heritage?

Actually, any definition of "race" based on genetics is on very dodgy
ground as (iirc) homo sapiens is remarkably homogeneous - even though that
might not be obvious to us.

Still: if you're prepared to consider even the most trivial of genetic
differences sufficient, would you consider all of the native peoples of
sub-saharan Africa to be a single race? Or those of the Indian
sub-continent, or China etc.

--
Simon - verdant lineone ne t
Triumph Tiger. Big trailees - you know they make sense.
Z1000 - less sense, more sensation.
MAG BOTAFOT#36 two#22 HLR#pi BONY#62 BHaLC#3

MrMoosehead
01-21-2005, 03:18 AM
On Sat, 08 Jan 2005 19:19:24 +0000, "Verdigris"
<verdigris@deadspam.com> wrote:

>On Fri, 07 Jan 2005 07:22:43 +0000, The Older Gentleman wrote:
>
><SNIP>
>
>> I'm not wriggling. Kindly note that I have stuck to one theme when arguing
>> with you: my remark was not racist. It may have been insulting to people
>> of a certain religion, but not race. Insulting someone's religion is not
>> racist.
>
>With some trepidation, I'd be interested in knowing what you and others
>consider to be a race.

Ah. It's all the same innit.

We differentiate on all levels all the time. Even subconciously.

It's just that 'colour' and religion are easier things to categorise
than freckles or big noses, or big bellies, correct number of limbs
etcetc

We are a naturally biased species I guess.

Don't know where this is going. Probably end with my depressing 'what
is the point' thought train.

Better have another drink.

<click> fzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.