richard wrote:For those concerned about questions regarding race, and racism, i suggest the realization that not only are there differences between races, but all of us because each and every one us is uniquely different, which does not mean that any person, race, or group is seen as spiritually unequal in the eyes of our One & Only God of All of us.
Yes, each one of us is uniquely different. BUT consider this: some of us have been gifted with intelligence, but are lazy and thus our intelligence does us no good (we may even end up flipping burgers), while others of us are not gifted with superior intelligence, but because of this we have the drive and determination that our gifted counterparts lack, and that is what makes us rise above them. And finally, some of us are in-between. Therefore, it all "balances out."
Now we know that men and women differ biologically, and thus, for example, women have better types of memories than men for certain things, and vice versa. This is based on research, and there are also theories made regarding these functional observations (i.e. from an evolutionary standpoint). But even then, their genetic endowments also taken into perspective, we would say once more that for the most part everything "balances out."
Now we get to races. What possible proof do you have, Richard, that races differ intellectually? Produce it, since you seem so confident in your assertion. Using Jesus' words from an unknown source, I'm afraid, won't do it. How about finding a recent journal article that backs up your claim? Even if there was a small difference, you have to first realize that there are different types of intelligences, different parts of the brain (see above), different hormonal levels, etc., and you have to take all that into account.
A lot of people, for example, sterotype Asians as being smart, which the Asians don't like themselves. Mostly it's because that's an unfounded statement and they know it. When they come to America (second generation and so on), they get Americanized. They eat at McDonalds, make their hair purple and spiked, and watch MTV. Not only do their behaviors and attitudes begin to more closely resemble American ones, but so do their grades. This happens with any culture that loses their work ethic. Thus, work ethic, which is something that is environmental, not biological, has the greatest part to play in whether someone succeeds or not, or how "smart" he is. I don't think there are any more intellectually gifted persons in Asian countries, or wherever, than in the "white countries."