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A review by sturgeonfish
Superior: The Return of Race Science by Angela Saini
5.0
absolutely FANTASTIC, comprehensive and eye opening book written in language very accessible to the layperson and not too jargon-y whatsoever. i'm extremely excited to read angela saini's other book, this was so so frank and insightful and informative. cannot say enough good things.
“There are plenty of ignorant racists, but the problem is not just ignorance. The problem is that, even when people know the facts, not everyone actually wants an end to racial inequality. Some would rather things stayed the way they are, or even went backward. And this means that those committed to the biological reality of race won’t back down if the data prove them wrong. There’s no incentive for them to admit intellectual defeat. They will just keep reaching for fresher, more elaborate theories when the old ones fail. If skin color doesn’t explain racial inequality, then maybe the structure of our brains and bodies will. If not anatomy, then maybe our genes. When then this, too, produces nothing of value, they will reach for the next thing. All this intellectual jumping through hoops to maintain the status quo. All this to prove what they have always really wanted to know: that they are superior.
Well, keep reaching, keep reaching. One day there will be nothing left to reach for.”
Excerpt
“There are plenty of ignorant racists, but the problem is not just ignorance. The problem is that, even when people know the facts, not everyone actually wants an end to racial inequality. Some would rather things stayed the way they are, or even went backward. And this means that those committed to the biological reality of race won’t back down if the data prove them wrong. There’s no incentive for them to admit intellectual defeat. They will just keep reaching for fresher, more elaborate theories when the old ones fail. If skin color doesn’t explain racial inequality, then maybe the structure of our brains and bodies will. If not anatomy, then maybe our genes. When then this, too, produces nothing of value, they will reach for the next thing. All this intellectual jumping through hoops to maintain the status quo. All this to prove what they have always really wanted to know: that they are superior.
Well, keep reaching, keep reaching. One day there will be nothing left to reach for.”
Excerpt