Re:The Black Technologist Who Invented the First Internet Se...
by tomp on Friday February 24, 2017 @05:23AM
(#13722489)
Interesting article. However, I wonder what's really causing the difference in achievement - at first, it would seem that just skin color doesn't explain it, as Indians (also darker-skinned) outperform even whites (according to the article). In theory it's possible that they're being discriminated against (in a racist way) but they outperform despite that, though I've never seen any study that would suggest such genetic superiority (in terms of IQ). Could it be culture (Asians/Chinese are well known for their "Tiger moms", maybe Indians have a similar achievement-oriented culture), or possibly family wealth (Asians coming to study to the UK are more likely to be from wealthy families)? I'm really curious.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:The Black Technologist Who Invented the First Internet Se...
by kristianc on Friday February 24, 2017 @03:49PM
(#13727762)
There's an attainment gap. It's definitely not genetic. It is partly cultural, and involves for instance the lack of positive black role models, visible success stories, the idea that succeeding is a 'white' thing to do.
One black guy being elected President doesn't solve that - you need to see examples of black guys as doctors, lawyers, computer scientists, engineers for it to work. Studies have shown that one of the greatest predictors of whether someone goes on to do a certain career is whether they or their family knows anyone in that profession.
That's why it's important and not 'racist' to proactively point out examples of successful black people. It's not that there aren't successful white people as well - they're visible everywhere, and we recognize them anyway (ever see the Oscars?). We do it because sadly the status quo leaves some people without black role models.