Should scientists talk about race?
- 22 Oct 07, 04:02 PM
Hi there. It's been so long since I was in the office it feels like the first day of term at school coming in today. Just as well I've not got a new haircut to make it worse.
An inbox containing over 3000 emails initially made me feel like I'd been missed but it turns out most of them are offering me pain-killers, Viagra and investment opportunities in Dubai. Some though contained requests for the Daily Email, so welcome to all the newcomers and sorry I'm a little late adding you to the list.
Here are the details of today's show....
WHAT CAN AND CAN'T YOU SAY ABOUT RACE?
Charles in Detroit is one of many of you to demand that we talk about DNA pioneer James Watson and the quotes attributed to him about race and intelligence. Some of you have even reprimanded how the BBC has covered this story. We'll do it your way today.
If you're new to it... the nub of the story is that Dr. Watson was quoted in a British newspaper as saying that Africans are less intelligent than Europeans.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in the US suspended him, the Science Museum in London cancelled a talk he was scheduled to give. He's gone home now without completing his book tour.
Regardless of whether you agree with the assertions attributed to him, should he or anyone else be allowed to make such comments? Or does race have to be removed from science's research? Are there some beliefs about race which are simply intolerable and deserve disassociation and condemnation?
It's worth adding that Dr. Watson says he doesn't remember saying the comments.
COMING UP THIS WEEK....
CAN POSITIVE THINKING MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
No, says the University of Pennsylvania which has research out saying it has no effect on people's ability to fight cancer. What do you think? Has it made a difference to a part of your life? We're hoping to talk about this on tomorrow's show.
THE TEACHER WHO WANTS TO TAKE A GUN TO SCHOOL
Shirley Katz is a teacher in Oregon and she's gone to court to win the right to carry a hand-gun at school. Would you like to speak to her or leave a message?Post here:
That's your lot today. Speak to you later.
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