Subj : Re: race
To   : jimmylogan
From : Gamgee
Date : Sat May 24 2025 08:29 am

-=> jimmylogan wrote to Gamgee <=-

-=> Gamgee wrote to jimmylogan <=-

-=> jimmylogan wrote to Gamgee <=-

ji> As for the 'one race' thing - we are ALL one "RACE" - there are
ji> different ethnicities, but we are all human. I think there are
ji> STILL a lot of people that miss that point...

Ga> Not exactly correct.  We are *NOT* all one race.  We (humans) are all
Ga> one *species*, but not all one *race*.  Big difference.

Ga> So, I think you are among those who have missed that point...

ji> I hear you, and I appreciate the correction, but I think this comes
ji> down to how we define race.

Ga> Not really.  There is a clear definition of what race is, and it's not
Ga> open to your personal interpretation.  It's biology/science, and
Ga> factual.

ji> Can you give me an example? I've read a lot of references on
ji> this tonight, and the general consensus has changed over time.
ji> Race is now broadly considered a social construct rather than
ji> a biological one.

ji> Have you looked into the "one drop" rule? The geographical
ji> theory? Do you consider races to be subspecies?

ji> Biologically, you are right: humans are all one species: Homo sapiens.
ji> Scientifically, race is often considered a social construct with no
ji> significant biological basis. The Human Genome Project confirmed we
ji> are over 99.9% genetically identical across all so-called races.

Ga> Again, "biology" *is* science.  There aren't two definitions.  Species
Ga> is one thing, and race is another.  You don't get to create your own
Ga> definition.

ji> You're right, I don't get to make up definitions. So whose do
ji> we follow? Scientists today? Or scientists from the past? As
ji> a wise man once said, science doesn't say anything - **scientists**
ji> do. In other words, science is a process of gathering and interpreting
ji> data. If it always delivered absolute facts, its conclusions
ji> wouldn't change over time.

ji> But my original point was more moral and spiritual: we are one
ji> human race with  different ethnicities, cultures, and appearances,
ji> but all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). That is not ignoring
ji> our differences but instead it recognizes our shared humanity.

Ga> When discussing scientific / technical things (of any sort), it's
Ga> important to use proper terminology to avoid misunderstandings.  There
Ga> is no such thing as the "human race".  It really is that simple.  There
Ga> is the human species, which has multiple races.  That's how science
Ga> works.  Words matter.

ji> As for your point about "proper terminology," I agree that words
ji> matter - which is why I checked a few sources. Here's how
ji> **dictionary.com** defines things:


ji> **Species** A group of related individuals that resemble one
ji> another, breed among themselves, and are biologically distinct
ji> from other such groups. Also: a group of persons related by
ji> common descent or heredity.

ji> **Race** Multiple definitions:
ji> 1) A group of persons related by common descent or heredity.
ji> 3a) *(no longer in technical use)* traditional divisions of humankind.
ji> 3b) An arbitrary classification based on physical characteristics
ji> (skin, eye shape, etc.).
ji> 3c) A **socially constructed** category based on appearance,
ji> ancestry, or shared culture.
ji> 6) *The human race* -  humankind.

ji> So... while you might not like the phrase 'human race,'
ji> it's still used, even in formal dictionaries, as a synonym
ji> for humankind. It carries spiritual and moral weight, and yes,
ji> it still exists in scientific and educational language as a
ji> broad reference to all people.

ji> If you're discussing gene flow or breeding populations,
ji> sure - use precise taxonomy. But if you're talking about
ji> our shared humanity and dignity, I still say 'one race -
ji> the human race' fits just fine.

You can still say whatever you want.  It doesn't change the facts about
what species and race are.  When you write words that you claim are
"quotes" from a site like dictionary.com, but in reality *paraphrase*
what was there to suit your own needs, you become someone that I won't
discuss the subject with any longer.  Go back to school and actually
learn something, and quit trying to be a "social warrior".  Bye.




... Ignorance can be cured.  Stupid is forever.
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