waveman comments on Open thread, Oct. 03 - Oct. 09, 2016 - Less Wrong

4 Post author: MrMind 03 October 2016 06:59AM

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Comment author: Brillyant 07 October 2016 09:31:43PM -1 points [-]

I accept genes are a big part of the picture.

I'm not sure I believe genetics are more important than other factors. And this is not necessarily a simple nature vs. nurture issue. In the case of African Americans' treatment in U.S. history, it's an extreme set of "nurture" circumstances that robbed a group of people of all opportunity for many generations, based on race. I'm not sure "good genes" simply overcomes extremely lopsided (often systemically unfair) circumstances.

Anyway, it won't be resolved here. Thanks for your thoughts.

Comment author: waveman 07 October 2016 09:54:37PM 2 points [-]

I'm not sure I believe genetics are more important than other factors.

I suggest you examine the evidence offered above and consider reducing your confidence in your beliefs.

Comment author: Brillyant 08 October 2016 12:51:56AM -1 points [-]

I should clarify. I accept genes are a big part of the picture. I'm more of a nature guy in the debate between nature and nurture.

In the specific case of African Americans' treatment in U.S. history and their current status, I'm not convinced genetics are more important than other factors. Because this specific case is more than just a simple nature vs. nurture issue—it is a very special case where an extreme deficit was created using slavery. And then segregation. And racism and discrimination all throughout up to the present day.

What evidence you cite above is compelling to you? What do you believed based on this evidence?