Could James Watson be right?

Question

to be "inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa"

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/fury-at-dna-pioneers-theory-africans-are-less-intelligent-than-westerners-394898.html

Answer 1

I think Watson has every right to be “gloomy” about prospects for Africa but for many more significant reasons than a perceived lack of intelligence.

Most of Africa’s current problems stem from having a completely alien social and political order imposed by the various imperial powers with no regard for existing culture, social structure or tribal boundaries. It is barely half a century since most of the imperial powers hastily departed and the new African leaders had to, to use an old metaphor, “put on the white man’s shoes and keep walking”.

We (the west, Europeans, call us what you will) have the luxury of being able to judge intelligence and achievement on our own terms and by our own standards. Our brand of social and political order has become the only game in town and you’re either good at it or you’re not. We are good at it because we’ve had several centuries of unhindered practice while Africans are still reading the rules. An analogy might be to imagine the glorious Welsh rugby team going to Greenland and rounding up 15 Inuits for a game – we would inevitably trounce the home team but would it be fair therefore to assume all Inuits are lacking in coordination, spatial skills, agility, logical thought etc?

Watson is clearly no dunce and it may be that tests have indicated a marginal difference in perceived intelligence (again, on his own terms) but suggest that this is at the root of all Africa’s current troubles is a bit daft and he should know better.

Answer 2

It may turn out to be true but a lot of white people are thick so i cannot see all Africans being of lesser intelligence just some like the rest of the people in the world.

Answer 3

Well, put it this way - who would you listen to; a Nobel prizewinning scientist or some stupid liberal social worker? There's really no contest.