Letters to the Editor
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@AKA, a little off topic
I don't even believe in race. It is an absurd cultural construct. The thought that something so damned unscientific so dominates this campaign season makes me want to giggle -- or it would if it weren't so sad.
Are you an epistemology grad? I dated one for a long time, and she had the same ignorance about race that you display. There are plenty of genetic difference between races. The philosophy of science meme that there is no such thing as race scientifically is just flat out incorrect.
While it's true we do not understand the function of every little bit of our DNA yet, scientists do in fact find, every single day, correlations between our genetic makeup and our race. If you were to repeat your statement to a geneticist, they would have a hearty laugh at your expense.
What makes Irish people pale and redheaded, and African people dark and curly haired? Pixies? Nope, it's DNA. I'm always a little surprised when I have to explain this to educated people.
No doubt this is a political hot potato, fraught with landmines. We certainly don't want to use science and money, when we investigate this issue, merely to reinforce stereotypes and prejudice. On the other hand, more knowledge is almost never a bad thing. I just think we need to approach it ethically and cautiously.