Racial Differences and the Future

Abstract

A review of the problems related to the struggle of minority ethnic groups, especially the American Negroes, for equal rights and advancement. Consideration is given to possible genetic and environmental bases of the problems, tenable means of achieving equal rights with a minimum of conflict and possible replacement of weakly effective efforts to alleviate biosocial problems by methods which would prevent their occurrence. "Race" is used in its popular sense recognizing that all ethnic groups represent mixed origins and that there is no physical or behavioral trait which is found exclusively in one race. The discussion is based on the premise that the equality of man is a social, legal and ethical rather than a biological concept. Cultural handicaps as slavery, racial discrimination, segregation, bias, and discriminatory laws are considered as basic cultural handicaps. The biological concept of race as viewed by racists and equalitarians is compared on the basis of the biology of race and the genetic basis for racial difference in drives and intelligence in Negroes and whites. Possible solutions to improving substandard culture and cost of improvement are proposed.