In too many venues, a factual statement that makes some people uncomfortable is grounds for an accusation of racism, hate, ignorance, or bigotry. Or all of the above.
There are some inherent differences between the two genders. There are differences among the races. There are differences between different ethnic groups. Pretending that these differences are imaginary solves nothing, and hoping that "if we could only" pay teachers more, or train women differently, or send some kids to pre-school, these differences will evaporate is folly.
Facts are not racist. Denying facts - especially when done in conjunction with slander against the speaker - is despicable.
Many of such discussions are tainted by grotesque misunderstanding of simple, non-controversial concepts. To say that "Mary is taller than Bill," is NO rebuttal of an assertion that men are taller than women. An observation that Ashkenazi Jews are more intelligent than Caucasians is NOT THE SAME as stating that some individual Jew is more intelligent than an individual Caucasian.
There are some inherent differences between the two genders. There are differences among the races. There are differences between different ethnic groups. Pretending that these differences are imaginary solves nothing, and hoping that "if we could only" pay teachers more, or train women differently, or send some kids to pre-school, these differences will evaporate is folly.
Facts are not racist. Denying facts - especially when done in conjunction with slander against the speaker - is despicable.
Many of such discussions are tainted by grotesque misunderstanding of simple, non-controversial concepts. To say that "Mary is taller than Bill," is NO rebuttal of an assertion that men are taller than women. An observation that Ashkenazi Jews are more intelligent than Caucasians is NOT THE SAME as stating that some individual Jew is more intelligent than an individual Caucasian.
