Did Discrimination Enhance Intelligence of Jews?
Anthropology has been putting out some mind-blowing stuff of late. Now, considering its rocky past where, 100 years ago and even in fairly recent times, there were "Anthropological" theories that seemed to support racism and eugenics and other blatantly non-P.C. stuff, it has to be careful with new theories.
Well, here's a new study that claims that Ashkenazi Jews may be, on the whole, genetically inclined to be intelligent. It's definitely something to chew on, as such a hypothesis holds deeper implications about the "equality" of people:
National Geographic Article
Really, I don't find it too surprising of a theory, and it does not disturb me as it seems to disturb some of the scientists quoted in the article. People in long-secluded populations do develop unique traits. Brain development is just as determined by DNA as hair color, so if one secluded group of people can develop red hair as a common hair color, for example, it's not surprising that another group can develop a high IQ as a stand-out trait. Now, looking at differences between people seems to work out fine when looking at secluded groups, but looking at so-called races doesn't work: There's such a wide range of interbreeding between most peoples that it's tough for certain traits to become dominant.
Those are my rushed thoughts. What do y'all think?
P.S. To all the new members who joined these past few days: Welcome to Cloudstrider! It's good to have you here, and I look forward to your comments and posts.
Well, here's a new study that claims that Ashkenazi Jews may be, on the whole, genetically inclined to be intelligent. It's definitely something to chew on, as such a hypothesis holds deeper implications about the "equality" of people:
National Geographic Article
Really, I don't find it too surprising of a theory, and it does not disturb me as it seems to disturb some of the scientists quoted in the article. People in long-secluded populations do develop unique traits. Brain development is just as determined by DNA as hair color, so if one secluded group of people can develop red hair as a common hair color, for example, it's not surprising that another group can develop a high IQ as a stand-out trait. Now, looking at differences between people seems to work out fine when looking at secluded groups, but looking at so-called races doesn't work: There's such a wide range of interbreeding between most peoples that it's tough for certain traits to become dominant.
Those are my rushed thoughts. What do y'all think?
P.S. To all the new members who joined these past few days: Welcome to Cloudstrider! It's good to have you here, and I look forward to your comments and posts.