Do you think the classification of 'race', as commonly used, is in any way related to intelligence?

Answer 1

I don't think race has any effect on intelligence itself. Everyone of sound mind has the ability to learn and succeed. I've come across both geniuses and dummies of all races, and I didn't see any pattern.

However, race and culture can have a whole lot to do with how intelligence is defined and assessed. For example, in American culture, we often associate intelligence with independence and originality. But some Asian culture that are more collectivist, they may associate intelliegence more so with consensus and cooperation.

Race is involved with the definition of intelligence but not intelligence itself. I hope that makes sense.

Answer 2

Race is a culturally constructed concept with arbitrary meanings differing from culture to culture. In the United States we may have only seven "races", whereas in Brazil there are over 27 terms for race.

Furthermore, intelligence is a pretty subjective term as well. If a person is a brilliant writer, but can't do math, does that person have a low intelligence? Or if an indigenous person can differentiate between thousands of different types of plants, but can't figure out how to run a microwave, is that person unintelligent? Intelligence, like race is also socially constructed.

If a person of a different skin color receives a lower score on different tests it is most likely due to the fact that the test are culturally inappropriate or that the person of color was raised in a lower socio economic class filled with structural violence and did not have access to the same type of educational opportunities as the white person who does better in the tests.

Answer 3

Ditto the individual who stated that race is a social construct - this is just one more silly way to demarcate difference. In America, though, the concept of race is frequently tied to socio-economic status . . . meaning that there tends to be an over-representation of people of color in lower socio-economic classes. The reasons for this go back many generations but the result today is that there tends to be a large number of children of color in poorer neighborhoods. Poor neighborhoods equals poor schools which, in turn, usually equals a lower quality of education, creating further inequality between those who have and those who have not. So . . . while "race" is not indicative of inate intelligence, it is too frequently indicative of what caliber of education will be received.

Answer 4

yes i think classification of races can be used to judge intelligence....

anyone who thinks race is more than just differences in physical appearance is an idiot...

Answer 5

There is only one race - the human race.

Answer 6

No

Answer 7

No.
There are dumb people everywhere.

Answer 8

no