Subj : Re: race
To : Gamgee
From : jimmylogan
Date : Tue May 27 2025 08:29 am
Fair enough. No hard feelings-I still believe respectful dialogue
is worth having, even when we don't agree. Wishing you the best.
-=> Gamgee wrote to jimmylogan <=-
-=> 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.
Ga> You can still say whatever you want. It doesn't change the facts about
Ga> what species and race are. When you write words that you claim are
Ga> "quotes" from a site like dictionary.com, but in reality *paraphrase*
Ga> what was there to suit your own needs, you become someone that I won't
Ga> discuss the subject with any longer. Go back to school and actually
Ga> learn something, and quit trying to be a "social warrior". Bye.
Ga> ... Ignorance can be cured. Stupid is forever.
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