Origins of racism

[Lodestar]

Yale University has been doing research into how social groups interact and I believe that their findings have indicated that fear of the other is a part of our genetic information as part of our survival mechanism. I wonder if these studies are what AtheistAstroGuy references.

The good news is that, as reasoning beings, we are able to learn how to react differently.

So, according to current theory, we are born with a fear of the unfamiliar and we unlearn it rather than we are born free of prejudices and learn them. If we are born into an inclusive group our sense of inclusion will be reinforced. If the opposite is true our fear of the other will increase.

Here's a reference from NPR I happened across asking myself the same question:

www.nprnews.org/story/2013/08/15/daily-circuit-bias-research

[Memphis1979]

Originally Posted by Lodestar

Yale University has been doing research into how social groups interact and I believe that their findings have indicated that fear of the other is a part of our genetic information as part of our survival mechanism. I wonder if these studies are what AtheistAstroGuy references.

The good news is that, as reasoning beings, we are able to learn how to react differently.

So, according to current theory, we are born with a fear of the unfamiliar and we unlearn it rather than we are born free of prejudices and learn them. If we are born into an inclusive group our sense of inclusion will be reinforced. If the opposite is true our fear of the other will increase.

Here's a reference from NPR I happened across asking myself the same question:

www.nprnews.org/story/2013/08/15/daily-circuit-bias-research

Put a group of two year olds on a playground, of all races and nationality. They'll play with each other, they simply don't care.

There is already a known correlation between perceived "beauty" and babies being drawn to more attractive images. I don't find many people, from other races, good looking. Just a personal preference. That does not indicate racism.

[Lodestar]

Have you looked at any of the studies, Memphis1979? The ones I've seen use younger age groups. If you take some time to have a look you will see comments that the babies appear to be racist.

Obviously the babies aren't having racist thoughts. That would be in the eye of the beholder.

I am unsure about babies being able to perceive concepts like beauty, but I do know that familiarity is what they seem to need when they are that young. What's more familiar to a baby than people who look like his family?

[MemoryMaker]

The "new racism" is annoying and ridiculous.

Nowadays, once somebody's obvious racism is exposed then they just nervously backtrack and say "its not about race but income" or "I meant some not all, your the exception" and then accuse the accuser of "playing the race card".

If your gonna be racist then that's totally fine....no craps given! Go for it!!! BUT at least stand by it and stop it with this 3rd grade girl beat around the bush/sugarcoat crap.