Are african americans genetically gifted?

Question

This is not a racial question here.. I was wondering this because it seems to be true. I work out everyday and still cant see results of many african americans who i know personally and i know they dont do half of what i do to try to keep in shape.. So what is the real story behind this?? Maybe their ancestors came from hunters and gatherers and they had to struggle physically to survive their homelands?? Also does anyone know if by working out and exercising could i actually build better genetics/athleticism in my offspring??

Answer 1

I will start with your last question.  See Hitler, Adolf, for an answer.

Are "african americans genetically gifted"? You seem to infer that they are in better physical shape than non-African-Americans. This simply is not true, even though they predominate in many sports. I have lived and worked in Montana, Tucson, Arizona and many other places. African-Americans ACTUALLY CANNOT STAND THE COLD, but they also cannot stand the heat.

What your ancestors did or did not do has nothing whatsoever to do with what physical shape you are in.  As to "Maybe their ancestors came from hunters and gatherers..." EVERYONE'S ANCESTORS CAME FROM HUNTER/GATHERERS!  Read the book, "The Neanderthal's Necklace" by Juan Luis Arsuaga for more about the hunter/gathers.

And, finally, it was a black American who discovered that our genes indicate who we are. Our DNA tells whether we are male, female, young, old, red, yellow, black, white or brown or what mix; where in the world our ancestors came from and so much more.

So, actually, yes, your "question" is racist!

Answer 2

There may be a slight cultural bias among AAs for exercise and sports, since it was one of the few fields in which they could make a lot of money, back when racial bias made it extremely difficult for them to become doctors, lawyers, army officers, engineers, CEOs, CPAs . . .  Entertainment was another field. Sadly, drug dealing and pimping were the other two you see mentioned the most.

The per capita number of AAs in the NFL, NBA and MLB are way above their percentage in the population in general.

But, 10% or so of the population is black, and they are not all athletic stars. You are drawing wide conclusions from anecdotal evidence.

Acquired characteristics can't be inherited. If you were to wolf down 3 - 4 pounds of those protein suppliments they sell in the back of the body building magazines every week, and pump iron 3 - 4 hours a day, you too could look like Charles Atlas. But, if your son sat in front of the TV with a coke and a package of Cheetos every afternoon, he'd be as pear-shaped as the rest of us.

Answer 3

All sub-groups of the human race have traits which developed to accommodate environmental demands over a period of millions of years.

There was no doubt some selective breeding going on among slaves to build better bodies capable of dealing with the demands of hard agricultural work, but that time period was really too short to replace natural selection and create a new creature. Athletic prowess is the same as academic prowess: both require a genetic potential for endeavors, but both are not actualized without training and practice. These skills are acquired learning and are not transmissible to your children.

The differences between the "races" are genetically minor, and each genetic trait comes with a disadvantage. Black people are more susceptible to blood pressure problems. And both Black and White people have more back problems than Asians because they are taller and have difficulty folding up into Toyotas and Hondas... and plane seats.

You really can't change your genes. You, and your culture around you, are what will shape your children's athleticism and academics. I suggest you stress the importance of both early in their youth.

Answer 4

There is stereotyping in your conclusion, even if not intended as such.  No stereotyping meant in my answer.  

It is dependent on WHO YOU KNOW or involved with. Personally, I am exposed to many African Americans where I live. MANY of those are, to be blunt... overweight and very out of shape.  They are right next to many non African americans, who are also overweight.  The fact is that they don't take care of themselves.  I am also aware of many (either ethnic background) who are in good physical shape.

One has nothing to do with the other. Your conclusion is based in faulty perceptions. Genetics DO influence your body type.. it's up to you, what you do with it.

Answer 5

That's true somewhat Africans now are hunters and gathers