[lbo-talk] Scientists establish the blindingly obvious: "Intelligence Is Not a Remedy for Racism"

[Carrol Cox]

a Remedy for Racism"
> 
> "[T]the broader implication of this study is that racism and prejudice
> don't simply come about as a result of low mental capacities or
> deficiencies in socialization. Rather, they result from the need of
> dominant groups to legitimize and protect their privileged social position
> within an intergroup conflict over resources."

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Yes, blindingly obvious but nevertheless at bottom believed by most liberals
and too many leftists. A suggested consciousness-raising exercise for left
intellectuals: Every time the words "stupid" or "ignornant" enter your head
-- Stop and realize you have just indulged yourself in one of the
fundamental principles of racism, for there are few stronger supports of
racist ideology than the belief that right opinion comes from intelligence,
wrong opinion from the lack of intelligence.

But the second part of the statement above as to the _intentions_ of
dominant groups is doubtful. It is true that racism _functions_ in this way;
it is not at all clear that dominant groups theorize this effect and
deliberately aim at creating its conditions.

Carrol