James Watson's comments re: race and intelligence
 

Has anyone else seen this yet? Dr. Watson has either reached the age where he doesn't care what anyone thinks of him or his legacy anymore or he's losing his faculties. Even if he believes what he said, he's previously been smart enough not to tell anybody.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science...ace/index.html

You almost wonder if he has some science backing his claim and whether it's possibly he's legit, then he drops this.

Yeah, that was the quote that made me think "this could come out of a Chris Rock routine."

My thoughts exactly. His statement that there is no reason to believe that different races evolved identically under significantly different selective pressures is logically sound, and probably warrants further research someday, but the employee comment just makes him seem like a racist. 'tis a shame.

He does seem to reference data and testing as the basis for his opinion. As a matter of fact, he uses the phrase "ALL the testing," implying that there is a myriad of data to support his opinion.

The article also refutes his claim by referencing other scientists who call these theories genetic nonsense.

basically, this entire article carries the underlying implication that both sides have conducted extensive research and experimentation on the topic...enough to lead to strong opinions. Let's have the data!

Or maybe I am reading too much into it?

Admittedly, his "employees" comment is bizarre.

I fear that such research wouldn't find funding, or that the results would be suppressed if the findings didn't support complete equality. It really does make sense to me that there is enough separation that we likely would see some differences, and indeed I think we do in athletic performance, so it's likely we'd see differences in other areas as well. I don't know how important these differences are, but anything that gives us a better understanding of human evolution is very important, and these types of studies could do just that.

It seems ironic that race-research would likely not find funding for fear that the results would indicate racial differences.

It is a charged issue, to be sure.

Part of me says that if you are bright enough to discover the double helix and the blueprint of all life, then maybe you have some other interesting findings in your little bag of tricks....

Then again, maybe you are an old man and say racist things, like my grandmother does sometimes. I love her, though. And she makes a MEAN red beans and rice. racism...Yum!

Here's the latest:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe...ogy/index.html

"I cannot understand how I could have said what I am quoted as having said," Watson said during an appearance at the Royal Society in London.

Imagine that it really is true that Africa descent correlates to lower IQ. I have no reason to believe that, but assume for a moment that this is the case. Does any one really want to know that? I have a feeling that many are so ideologically committed to the idea that every is basically the same that no evidence would convince them the contrary is true.

I also think it is appropriate to ask what possible value that information could have. I can't think of any off hand.

Well, for starters, if it can be established that IQ is race-related, it would certainly add an interesting new wrinkle to affirmative action programs. In essence, what this research would be saying is, "You are descended from Africa, therefore you are genetically unable to compete consistently with your Caucasian counterparts."

It would also add some insight into Dennis Green's "The Bears Are who we thought they were" rant.

The bigger issue is, how much longer until this dude's face completely decomposes? Will it happen in time for Halloween or does he officially ruin the Holidays by showing up at Christmas as The Crypt Keeper? Those are some seriously fugly double helixes he is rocking right now.

http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2007/WORLD/eu....watson.gi.jpg