Unacceptably provocative/beyond the point of acceptable debate



"Following James Watson's comments at the weekend, and the
public concern that this has caused in Bristol, the event on
24 October 2007 with James Watson has been cancelled. While
we are a festival that encourages debate, it is clear that
James Watson's opinions were unacceptably provocative."

- http://www.ideasfestival.co.uk/

"We know that eminent scientists can sometimes say things that
cause controversy and the Science Museum does not shy away
from debating controversial topics.

"However, we feel Dr Watson has gone beyond the point
of acceptable debate and we are, as a result, cancelling
his talk."

- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7050020.stm

Neither organisition offers the slightest factual criticism
of Watson's comments. They have none. Watson's comments
about how black-skinned individuals tend to score in
intelligence tests is factual, well known and not
remotely scientifically controversial.

That these organisations have canceled James Watson's
speaking engagements on these grounds is outrageous.

British scientists should probably spend the day hanging
their heads in shame and embarrasment at the ignorant
and misguided actions of the leaders of some of their
educational establishments :-(

What lesson are our children supposed to draw from this:
that if your views are not politically correct, you should
keep your mouth shut, irrespective of the truth of the matter?

Watson's views on the subject are actually rather moderate.
As others have suggested, perhaps check out:

"Understanding Human History"

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Human-History-Michael-Hart/dp/1593680260

.....and...

"Race Differences in Intelligence: An Evolutionary Analysis"

http://www.amazon.com/Race-Differences-Intelligence-Evolutionary-Analysis/dp/1593680201

.....for some proper meat.
--
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