Having lived in Africa (Nigeria) at a young age (9) for some months, I think the black race is more socially intelligent than Whites. Blacks don't hate and hurt people as much, unless there are tribal differences. They don't give the grief that whites give to those they don't agree with.

Martin, Brisbane, Australia

written ignorant comments on this page are in need of a better education. There are so many other contributions made by blacks. It would take me more than a year to list them all on this post. The current president of the United States is Barack Obama. He went to Harvard Law School. Need i say more.

Merrie , Chandler, USA

And i'm not finished. The gas mask was invented by Garrett Morgan, an African-American inventor. Morgan used his gas mask (patent No. 1,090,936, 1914) to rescue miners who were trapped underground in a noxious mine. Soon after, Morgan was asked to produce gas masks for the US Army. Everyone who has

Merrie, Chandler, USA

Frederick Douglass and so on. But allow me to go further. George Washington Carver was an African American scientist, Dr. Charles Richard Drew (1904-1950) was an American medical doctor and surgeon who started the idea of a blood bank and a system for the long-term preservation of blood plasma (he found that plasma kept longer than whole blood). His ideas revolutionized the medical profession and have saved many, many lives

Merrie, Chandler, USa

This is a really old thread but I feel the need to comment. Blacks have made a difference all over the world. Despite being oppressed they still manage to overcome in so many levels. I can name some influential blacks right now...Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. DuBois

Merrie, Chandler, USA

Dr. Watson helped detect the positions of the atoms in the DNA molecule.

Decades later, University scientists mapped those pieces of DNA called genes to their functions.

Genes did not match up with race.

It was concluded that the biological concept of race had no basis in science.

Intelligent scientists will not use 'race' in the same journal with 'DNA or genes' except to say that the biological concept of race has no basis in science.

Dr. Watson, Watson,

Black people score on average about one standard deviation below the mean in ALL tests. The testing factors and study constraints don't make much difference. They get a score of about one standard deviation below the mean in in math tests, science tests, reading tests, IQ tests, the SAT test, ....

James, Portland, USA

I'd like to know what is his testing factors, study constraints. What are the limits of the tests and their shortcomings. Unless he is perfect, the test is likely to be flawed.

Jess, Somewhere, Earth

I am black and I think James Watson had made good points. Have we ever seen anyone wants to move to Africa? Why do African-American students as a whole are still performing so poorly in schools even 50 years after Civil Right movement.

Tyrone Brown, Mobil, AL, USA

as a Maori native of New Zealand/Aotearoa, I would like to know if this theory includes brown skinned people...being as I am one... I know my question is not smart, but to me neither is this theory, nobel prize or not. How do you class intelligence between europeans(white skinned) and ethic peoples.

Jason Duff, Takaka/Mohua, Aotearoa/New Zealand

I know dumb white people, I know dumb black people. I know clever white people, I know clever black people. Any of you who are trying to make your race look better than the others are just as ignorant as the pigs on Animal Farm. All that matters is that we are all happy. Too much hate in the world!

Bait Black 1, Glasgow, UK

Hello to all. I'm "White" whatever that means! We've come to distinguish people Not on origin, but on color alone. You're either of color or white. However, I do agree strongly that not all people are created equally...maybe the same, but not equally. Genes play a part in everything that's alive.

Jeff Wood., Marshall, United States

THIS IS STUPID! blacks r wayyyyyyyy smarter than some people! also because some idots r raciest i am a white female who thinks this dumb.

taylor, Austin, USA

hello all
a good discussion indeed.I am an indian(caucasian many say!) and i firmly believe that geographical distances were crucial in shaping our evolutionary destinies, but not too much.Let us not write off this man's verdict as racist.Studies should be continued in this area.

vaibhav, kolkata, india

i am a white male, as white as can be. however, i have relatives who are Haitian in ethnicity. I would not say that they are any less intelligent than a white person. However, i do think that african americans may think about things differently than white people do.

ben, keene, us

Im a Black male
Were happy when comments are made in our favor,better atheletes ,better lovers this in turn is saying white people are worse in these areas so why do we get all upset when something goes in the white mans favor.
We need to stop seeing ourselves as seperate races.

ben, stoke, uk

im an african american but im wondering how coud u be saying thingz like this? if african americans or black or mixed or whatever try they can be smart but they never got a chance to succeded in life. it is called "believe achieve succed" that is what inspires me today when im in a bad situation.

alex , plano,tx, usa

I believe this is true in a way, as i see it in the beginning of time our only instinct was to survive. As the north which is not to cold and not to warm so it would be a perfect place for a human to not waste as much as evolution capabilites as the southern,

James, London,

i dont believe in anything he says there are black people who are very intelligent e.g Wole Soyinka from Nigeria won a nobel prize in literature. Once we are allowed in to the science world, that is when the black will show what they are capable of doing. thanks

Ahmed, Lagos, Nigeria

Even though I dont agrre with racism, and beleive in equity, I dont think people should imediately dismiss what he is saying, it should be studied further

Chris, montreal, canada

Since he discovered DNA he should know that white people come from Black people as we are the original, that's why the Austrailians call the natives "Ab-origines" they were there long before the Austrailians left england. Unless he wants to be descended from neandertals of europe.

Lisa , Los angeles, U.S.

The world is full of hate! One man trying to bring the other down by any means.There is only one who knows the true intellectual ability of any race. Everyone will die and return to the dust - Salvation of our souls! Prey for this scientist he is old.which gene/colour is dominant, white or black..

Sarah, liverpool,

Lets face it, if we take the literal meaning of "equal", no one is technically equal because everyone is unique. Genes determine pretty much everything that makes us, us. And it is true that "races" do have different characteristics from one another so maybe "intelligence" is one of these traits.

Charles, Paris, France

I cant believe you people are even humouring this man - he's from a different time and just says ridiculous, if sometimes amusing, slurs. Ignore him, his prejudices have been proven to not be true (look on wikipedia).

Mohamed, Brighton, England

Though it is against my better judgement, I will humour you. Regions of the world, like empires, rise and fall throughout history; Africa has born many great empires: Eygpt, Nubia, and Old Zimbabwe to name a few. Remember, Europe has not always been amongst the most developed area's of the world.

Mohamed, Brighton, England

I predict that now with fast methods of transport all across the world such as airplanes that in 1,000 years or so, the human race is going to meld into a single race gradually, consisting of every race as different people of different races travel to different parts of the world and breed.

Reid, Austin, TX, USA

Name Me one African economic powerhouse? Name one African super power? The list goes on! People here talk as if people in the USA and europe arrived there and miraculously there just happened to be universities and hospitals and roads, trade and industry etc etc! And somehow Africa is deprived because for some unknow reason Africa never got universities etc! Wake up people, white people got there and invented it all. Africa is aparently the oldest continent & people! Why they behind us then?

Rudi Meier, cape town, south Africa

The person who can answer the eternal question about the Mystery of our mortality wins. Of course nobody can so nobody "knows" anything. All this pother about "culture and IQ" will matter not two pence when Dr. Watson and all of us are dead. Loving one another is all that matters in the end.

Jack, Los Angeles, USA

Name 1 top Black scientist.Black people seem to have a negative effect on the countries we emigrate to.
Increased crime and increased drug abuse and a major chip on our shoulder about slavery that occured ages ago.
That seems to be our main export.Black men look after your kids it might help.

Desiree, Luton, U.K

I cannot believe to this day that individuals believe that people of African Descent have lower IQ's. There have been numerous studies that void his claim and I wouldn't be surprised if he sampled from a disadvantaged group of blacks. I am sure his study is flawed and interpretation were biased.

Dez, New Brunswick,

Europeans should not give any credit to the biased IQ tests that are used on Africans. Bias is created by culture, education, exposure(TV-New, Movies, Theatre, Music...), language, environment. You can't say a six year old rural African is dumb coz he doesn't know who Abraham Lincoln or Bugs Bunny!

Vanonyepa Varungu, Cape Town , South Africa

All of you ignorant people who say this guys is right, do you know that the world civilization was built first by black people? civilization started from the Nile area in Africa, the first universities in the World thrived in Africa. The world went wrong when white people invaded and robbed Africa.

Yohanna, Hamilton, Canada

I am an African American female that happens to have a superior IQ 129 where 140 is considered low genius so that right there is proves that a blanket statement cannot be made to say that blacks have a lesser IQ. what should be studied is the effect of slavery and socioeconomic status on black IQ

Melissa, Huntington, USA

this is based on biased I.Q test
For a person of his caliber, it is evident that if you take an American I.Q its based on American information.Take a European
give therm an African I.Q test they will not do better than an African. The black man's civilizational has been tempered with.

marcus, edmonton, canada

I am not offended by this gentleman's remark. I think he has made a valid point. And as usual we have jumped at him instead of allowing him to expand on his finding. We are a race that do not value anything from our own background. And since slavery we have not evolved in our own context. So listen

beatrice wusie, London, finsbury Park

As an African American women with a BA and MLS and soon to be JD, I am not least offended by his comments because I am living proof that many of us are articulate, intelligent and rational examples are Colin Powell, Frederick Douglas, COndaleeza Rice and our 44th president Barack Obama.

KAye , NYC,

Scientists should try to reason first before claiming for any stupid unscientific comments that bears No proper prove. Who is Obama? and C. Anan? intelligent or unintelligent?I f yes or not, to what extend have you taken any sample from them and compare to any white person.

Likambu Isaac, Yei, Sudan

His argument may be true. Racial differences do exist (height, build, athletic prowess, predisposition to disease). To think that intelligence is a preserved characteristic across the races is an odd thought.

Ravi, Leeds,

It is quite obvious that Mr. Watson has lost all of scientific senses and has allowed himself to be portrayed as a bumbling idiot in mass media. A true scientist holds nothing as a complete truth, and understandsthat any and all things are subject to relativity. There is only one race.

jake, Philadelphia, USA

I truly believe, wanting or not, unfortunalely Mr. Watson is correct. We can't go against our genes.

melissa simon, parma, itlay

The hysteria that such comments generate is VERY patronising indeed. I certainly do not agree that, because of where my ancestors lived, I have inferior intelligence. However, a person refusing to be politically correct by stating his view of evolution should incite debate and not claims of racism.

Funmi, Hertfordshire, England

Dr. Watson simply said that he believes black people may be less intelligent, and he is attacked for it. Yet many black people in this forum have said that they are in every way better than whites and they're not? If Dr. Watson is truly wrong, stop saying it and prove it.

Justin Ebert, Bowling Green, United States

This is really ignorant. For a man of such "intelligence" and stature, this is really retarded. I agree with the last comment, black people are always singled out. We can give you the best of music, movies, sports, intellectual advances, and even politcal campaigns, but they still hate us....

Marlissa, Los Angeles, USA

I am embarrassed for him! What I want to know is why specifically black people, why us? Why is it always us? Why didn't he pin point Mexican's, Latino's, or Aborigines? It proves the hate that people have for our race it's ridiculous, it hurts, it's sad and I'm just glad he's not from the US.

Adrienne, Salt Lake City, United States

I.Q. testing has been proven to be culturally biased, as it is based on the assumption that rationality is the same for each people. Let's also not forget that human genomes are ever changing. Making genetic generalisations on whole peoples is unscientific. Eugenetics should have died with nazism.

Corinna Fiora, Sassari, Italy

It is a shame that these people abuse there position in society by talking about other races and origins when they could be talking about real problems in society today. I find it un professional of him and degrading for people of african descent!! im outraged at his comments its digusting!!

Martine, Leeds, England

This man is a genius and is 100 percent correct about everything he said. People are just offended, but dont be afraid of the truth. Look at the black race, they havent accomplished anything in thousands of years. Everywhere they go they bring the country down. Sorry to say, but its true.

Pau, san francisco, usa

I resent the ad hominem attacks on Watson. Calling him "stupid" or unintelligent is infantile and blatantly not true - unintelligent people do not win Nobel prizes, or solve one of the greatest questions of their age. His OPINIONS are dubious, but his intelligence is greater than ours.

Adam, Durham, UK

It is all very academic

C Joseph, Manchester

C Joseph, Manchester,

You know what that is just his opinion does not mean he is right, my theory is that it has nothing to do with genetic and everything to do with nutrition, or lack there of, since the majority of the people living in Africa are too poor, so for instance their growth is hindered,

theodora anagor, london, unitd kingdom

You see children who African children who are taller than their parents, for instance my cousin is 6ft 5", his father is 5ft 6", my niece at 12 yrs old is 5ft 10", or the fact that my brother is a member of mensa, we have access to quality nutritious food, i am of african descent, 2nd genration

theodora anagor, london, unitd kingdom

Don't worry, things go round in circles and everything will come back into position in time. Every dog has his day.

Samantha Williams, London, UK

Can i please point out a VERY important fact:
Africans in the USA make up the most educated group (Above whites etc)
In the UK, Carribean people make up the most educated group

Oh sweet Jesus stop talking. The more you say, the more credibility the good Dr. has.

Sam, Vivian,

assume that all people once had an equal start, looking at the "success"" stories of african countries, (corrupt governm., poor people and extravagant rich top class to mention a few facts!) one has to ask the painfull question if a lack of (social ?cultural? or whatever) intelligence is the cause

h.vansuylekom, zevenbergen,

Ya'll is wack.

NB, Detroit,

i am a black, female student from the university of zambia in Africa. it is quite disheartening to see that in this day and age people still dwell on triviel issues such as these instead of focusing on more important issues such as world hunger and peace.

chaiwe, lusaka, zambia

I'm 17 and a black student at Stanford University. I feel that this kind of nonsense is what is keeping and what will always keep races separate. Not everyone of national merit or so called "prestige" is incapable of being prejudice and using his past success to falsly influence individuals.

Jamal, San Diego, USA

It is true, human beings in different parts of the world have evolved, since their separation, in different ways.
Not everyone looks the same and, it follows, intellectual capability may differ very slightly between races.
Even if this were true, the difference would remain VERY marginal.

Edgar, Sevenoaks,

Regardless of the evidence, the final agreed upon fact will be that everybody is equal. Its sad that liberalism and political correctness hinder truth.

J, New York, USA

This is funny to me as black person. Because, out of my 10 years of school i can sit in every last 1 of my classes and poit out aleast 10 white children and we could pull ourgrades out the computer and see who's smarter. now what does that tell you..and im sure plent of others could say the same.

Robort Thomas, atlanta ga, usa

Black people are better athletes apparently? Not all are. Just like not every white person has personally invented something worthy of the Nobel prize. So... How can you generalise such things.

vicky, Leeds, England

May i point out that as the Difference between the White Race and The Black race actually leave our own White race at a Disadvantage where due to Mutation we cannot Enjoy the sun without raising our rates of Cancer.. an Interlectual like him should know thats the Only difference between us

Ronald Crocker, Redditch, England

His point about natural selection affecting different geographical areas is correct. It is just common sense that different races evolve at different paces and that we don't evolve at the same speed and time.

Will, Leafield,

It's a shame to see Dr. Watson throw away what could have been an enormous legacy towards the end of his scientific career. Pigmentation is not synonymous with intelligence. As stated in numerous other scientific journals, there is more diversity within groups than between them.

Jeffery Patterson, charlottesville, USA

To the 15 year old who thinks education achivement is intelligence may wan't to try a MENSA test. There is a big differance between the two. Your teachers tell you somthing you repeat it back they hand you a paper,and if you tell a parrot somthing and it repeats it back you hand it a cracker.

Nate, Evanston, USA

Stupid racist! I am a 15 year old student at one of the premier high schools in the country. I have achieved magna cum laude, since I had the opportunity! Last little fact, I'm black! This is complete nonsense, I agree completely with Abigail, people shouldn't even cover worthless garbage like this!

Jermaine Washington, Boston, United States of America

Are Dr.Watsons claims shocking?Yes, but does this make them untrue?No. However,I am still very skeptical of his claim. I would like to see how he came to this conclusion.It seems like a confusion between eduactional level and inherent inteligence. Many people mistakenly use them interchangeably

Woodrow, Poughkeepsie, U.S.A

I've heard a lot about athletic black people; does athletic ability mean you should have less brains? So then if you have less physical ability, does it mean you have more brains? So who thought of all the things that made up ancient african history, the oldest, before the white man got there?

Roger Goode, London, UK

everyone is equal (primus inter pares), there should be no discrimination about ethnicity. i am from the caribbean and i know of black persons who are extremely intelligent. i am of indian descent and am excellent when it comes to mathematics. each race has exceptions, don;t discriminate: integrate.

vidyenand persaud, bridgetown, barbados

This is disgusting and racist
I'm an educated and black, and am in the top percentage of the country. Your race does not effect your learning capacity and I am appalled that stories like this even get coverage in modern society. How can he justify the fact that many white people are uneducated?

Abigail, London,

Sally: Are these blacks in the US and Britain who are so intelligent, are they immigrants? Or where they raised in a white society?

clay, toronto, canada

Can i please point out a VERY important fact:
Africans in the USA make up the most educated group (Above whites etc)
In the UK, Carribean people make up the most educated group
So the claims are rubbish, So why is it that British africans and British west indians dont do as well? That is the Q.

Sally, London,

This is such a patently STUPID remark I wouldn't even expect it from a 5 year old child never mind a supposedly intelligent respected scientist. This garbage can be dolled up in as much "intellectual verbage" and liguistic pseudo intellectual gymnastics as Dr Watson can muster but it is RUBBISH

Hercules McGuire, Wakefield, England

Some don't wish to admit that all races are not equal. Of course there is a difference between knowing and treating other people as less intelligent. Does anybody really know a black person who has made a scientific discovery ?

JOHN KONSTANTINE, ATHENS, GREECE

i think that hm.. for Dr. Watson to make such an unintelligent assertion makes him less intelligent too.
comparing the intelligence of the whites to that of the blacks...its nothing to write home about.
without the BLACK race,the image of God,the ultimate source of intelligence is incomplete.

P.K. Alexnader, Accra, Ghana

A person has intellect only as part of his/her personality make up. One considered lacking in one aspect may be highly endowed in an other. How is one to assess the value/quality of a person in totality?

shahnaz shah, Hairaan paraishaan, globe

And to the white folks who think Dr. Intelligencesss has just spoken their mind, I’ve got 3 words for yall “History Still Continues”. I don’t have any problem with white people… I don’t care how you see it, we are one before God… St. Paul has said it all about Sciences!

Gbemiro, Abuja, Nigeria

I think this estranged Dr. should spend his time, energy, and his “intelligencesss” finding a way to heal a messed up world. and not inculcating a rotten pedestrian stereotype into the next generation.

I think I will recommend T D Jakes preaching “Bad Boys and the God who Loves Them” to the Dr

Gbemiro, Abuja, Nigeria

How can he say a certain race is less intelligent than his when he goes around saying preposterous things that the other race wouldn't even dare to say no matter how much dumber he thought them to be? If u're gona claim to be smarter than another race at least show it with your comments.

Jay, new orleans,

Dr. Watson is truly the Galileo of our Age. His destruction has strongly reinforced a belief I have long held, that Humans have never left 'the cave'.

Adrian F. Cerny, Portland, Texas, USA

Would Dr. Watsons comets have caused any comment, at all, before 5,000 race riots and 250,000 race riot fires happened in America from 1963 to 1973? The winners of any Civil War get to call what is 'right' and what is 'wrong'.

Adrian F. Cerny, Portland, Texas, USA

If you put a black child in a white environment from birth, what do you think will happen to the that child, if given the same treatment in terms of education, employment, social, etc. Also, if you put a white child in a black environment with bad educational system with no books, gangs, drugs temptations, violents, no role models, economic depression not recession from birth, what do you think will happen to the child by time he or she reaches teenage level or beyond? On that note, blacks are stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually than whites by a long shot after 400 years of worst conditions and treatment in the HISTORY of mankind.

G E , Chicago, ILLINOIS

Watson says: “there is no firm reason to anticipate that the intellectual capacities of peoples geographically separated in their evolution should prove to have evolved identically"

That makes a lot of sense, he's saying that people are different - and we are. If, for example, somone says that black people are in general better atheletes than whites its not considered racist, but if someone dares to say that whites are in anyway superior to blacks they are branded a racist. pure hypocrisy.

Personally I think Watson is right. I think that black people are, in general, less intelligent than whites, and I don't think thats a racist point of view, its just a piece of information. Racism would be to take that information and do something with that would harm somebody.

Most people aren't racist - but that doesn't mean that we're all the same, and until we can accept differences in race and end this one-size-fits-all mentality then racial tensions will continue

Cliff, London, uk

The problem with this all is that unscientific claims such as the notion of "progress" and "intelligence" are being calculated with scientific processes. Who determines what is intelligence and what is progress is not a matter of science; it is a matter of opinion controlled by a perception that your society proposes on you. Just because European/Western ideas are being spread globally under the guise that they are progressive does not make them right. Ugh, this is a man we should no longer waste our time with. This article just shows us how socially ignorant scientist are, no matter what authority they have in their field. The fact that someone is an expert in science does not make them an expert on theorizing the human condition. No one is an expert at that because we are diverse peoples on this world and this should be respected, not called "stupid". Your generation will certainly never project the human race "forward", may your children learn from your mistakes.

Brittany H, Davis,

just to make this also clear, most "blacks" in america also come from european descent so they do not fully count in this study

john, naperville,

responding to Lisa and Robyn's posts, there are many unintelligent white people. the argument claims that on AVERAGE people of european genetics are smarter than people with african genetics. this includes the fact that some africans are smarter than whites, and also that some whites are less intelligent than some africans. surely if your so smart you can understand this very simple hypothesis? within this area of study it is shown that japanese and chinese people score the highest on AVERAGE of the IQ tests. are white people saying that japanese people are racists for being higher than them on the IQ tests? no, white people are different. on AVERAGE they may score higher, but white people and other race people can and often are very intelligent and capable. Intelligence is ONE component of being a human, albert einstein arguably the worlds most successful physicist has a lower IQ than myself, does this mean iam superior to einstein? NO! enough of the victim complex please

Rowan, Adelaide, South Australia

Lets look at the facts, lets go back over 2000 years, look and what the Romans achieved and left behind, there is just about nothing in Africa, no written langues, no building remains, apart from a few debatable basic ruins found in Zimbabwe, many Africans still live like western peoples lived in the stone age 100000 years back or more
After having lived in Africa for over 20 years I think we are different, doesn’t make anyone better than the other but we are not the same physically or intellectually

realist, Cape Town , south africa

I read some of the post saying that 'the scientist was only saying what people were thinking but afraid to say.'
Just because a white scientist goes to a Africa(a poor country) filled with black people who are deprieved from learning like we do in America or the UK doesn't mean that black people have a lower IQ.
I'm 13(8th grade)and African American and I've already achieved so much.
I skipped 3rd grade,I'm in National Junior Honor Society,I took the SAT in 7th grade,I'm in all honors classes and I've been excepted into an IB program so when I get to college I'll be able to start on my second year already.
To say that I am less intelligent than my white peers is ridiculous.If anything I'm at their level or above.
Now,I'm driven to be a scientist just to prove that black people can be smarter than a white person and it doesn't matter what your race is.It shouldn't matter what your skin color is.

Robyn, Petersburg,

I find this to be the most ridiculus dabate. Honeslty I could care less what this Dr. Watson says, and I am an African American person. However, I find it really sad that a person would agree with Dr. Watson's information and in 2008! It is like we as people took one step forward and two steps back...It just makes me sick to my stomach that as the human race we still have a ways to go...and the even stranger part is someone actually said "someone finally had the courage to say it."..that just killed me...makes me wonder if this is what the majority of the whole white population thinks of of us...

Lisa, Chicago, IL

If you try to live in Africa, you might agree with the scientist as a rule of thumb. Africa had to wait for white people to give them the alphabet, etc. etc. Rtitual murders for muti still take place all over. In all, they lived stone age lives. Even today, lobola (buying a wife, and then have her as a slave), is acceptable. However, we all know really intelligent Black people, and really stupid white people.

Barbara Van Aswegen, Pretoria, South Africa

What is Watson's definition of intelligence that is the question? I watched a group in the African bush sometime ago, the 'white' individuals within the group found it more difficult to cope within the environment despite the group all coming from a similar background in the UK.....if i was asked to measure the 'white' individuals intelligence against their black peers within the African bush environment, I would have definitely measured them as less intelligent using their black group members as a comparison. None of these people except me had ever been to the bush before. I wonder if Watson is refering more to performance than intelligence, I can't imagine that he would be able to measure a black individuals intelligence in the work place as most work is based on tasks and skills. Hmmmmm, is knowing how to do specific tasks and skills classed as intelligence? Who decided what intelligence is? I just think, poor guy, life moving too fast for you eh?

Lee, London, United Kingdom

to be honest i dont agree with his prejudices, in todays society everyone with the right and equal levels of education and upbringing unless they are mentally retarded seem to be around the same intelligence, however.... on average a white and native americans brains are slightly more massive. this agrees with the theory that whites and native americans still have the descended blood from homo Neanderthalis (this theory was abolished by idiots in government (: and they say we have free will), this also coincides with the fact that whites and native americans have thicker brows and femurs, but this extra mass of the brain would not help in academic intelligence as this is at the front of the brain which helps in social areas of life. after all this talking i need a drink :) anyway this mass to be fair is way too small to actually mean anything (homo Neanderthalis had a 12% larger brain size than homo sapia which is suppose to be us) and therefore becomes obsolete in the modern world bye

Aaron, Manchester, Britain

Beginning some 100,000 years ago, H. sapiens began migrating out of Africa and into the middle east.
Until about 10,000 years ago, their lives were dominated by highly variable ice age environments which placed a premium on resourcefulness, imagination, endurance, and, yes, intelligence. Their genetic machinery encoded, bit-by-bit over tens of thousands of years, traits that allowed them to survive the ice age and to take full advantage of the warmer climates that followed.
Those who remained in Africa lived in more benign unchallenging environments and thus changed very little, simply because natural selection produces change only as necessary.
Dr. Watson’s comments were, I suggest, based on the effects of two groups of people living in different environments for a long time. I don’t believe he was suggesting that intelligence is race-based per se; only that Black Africans were not subjected to the rigorous climates in which the out-of-Africa migrants survived and, finally, thrived.

Gerry Porter, Ottawa, Canada

Research as proven that we are actually closer genetically by height than we are by race. So that is why I do not buy this theory of his. Also, the stereotype about Asians being smarter is false. First of all it depends on the demographic or culture of the people you are sampling . Studies have shown that some Asian Americans that were born and raised in the U.S. even in priveleged neighborhoods, are just as mediocre and below average in testing as some black people or whites. After all the reading I have done about race, history, and genetics...I know he is purposefully lying. He is just saying that to get publicity. Also, what exactly would that prove? We are all going to die anyway. I don't care how accomplished he is...Are white people immortal? Why doesn't he devote his time to something that would better humankind instead of cunningly dividing it? I suggest that James Watson look up 1 Corinthians 3:19, Proverbs 21:15, Jeremiah 21:12, and Psalms 37:9.

Kimberly, Nagasaki, Japan

Take a step back and really look at all of the evidence; Watson has. Black people are, on average, less intelligent than white people. White people are, on average, less intelligent than east asian people. If you refuse to believe these things then shut up or do your own thorough scientific investigation. Watson has dedicated his whole life to study and won a Nobel Prize, god forbid the results of his research be negative. All men are not created equal, that's not an opinion, but a fact. Watson knows this and he supports equal treatment which is really the best option. No person on this planet is the same as another and that's inequality, but if we treat each other as equals and share equal rights then no one is wronged. You don't see anyone getting angry that black people are genetically better athletes. Look it up, they dominate most major sports. Our next president is going to be black and I'm fairly certain he's the best man for the job. Progress isn't lost because of truth.

Cory, Louisville, USA, Kentucky

Actually there have been studies performed on different races IQ levels and the consensus is that Ashkenazi Jews have the highest IQ of groups so I think it would be fair to say that there lies a race on the other side of the spectrum. (Whether it be black or some other race)

Mark, San Mateo, USA

It seems that D.r Watson, although an esteemed scientist, has succumbed to that catalyst that affects everyone, even though we dont talk about it, fear. The white man is afraid of the other "type" of man, we are afraid to think that we might be equal to people we unconciously relate to apes, and "lesser" types of being. How dare he say that we are better than any other people! Certainly, most blacks are smarter than him

Cal, Cambridge, England

As a white person I am appauled a this comment. I belive that all people are equal. And that no test can prove how intelligent a whole race is.

Shira , Manhatten, NY, NY

What is intelligence? Are we talking about IQ? or even EQ? (Emotional Intelligence).

When I was in secondary school in the 90s in Engalnd we had an A Level (for ages 16- 18) called general studies. I, like all my friends who were predominantly white- because it was a predominantly white school, were really excited because we anticipated that it would be easy, and so would give us an extra A Level to bump up our points for university. It turned out what was general knowlegde was general knowledge for a particular group of people- white, middle class, stemming from particular social groups.

The result? this group of students passed with flying colours and everyone else failed or received very low grades. I was very upset at the time (as a young girl) that such a flaw could be so evident but openly recognised by educational boards, and not addressed.

Lucky for me my intelligence in analysing learnt material during taught lessons enabled me to progress to doctorate level.

Ella, Sussex, England

How an intellectual can make such a statememt is beyond me.I am black and proud of it .Most importantly I know I am just as intellgent as my fellow white species. Rasict comments like that should really be discraded from society.

Chrispin Phiri, Grahamstown, South africa

What does IQ have to do with the value of a man or woman? There great men in history like Adolph Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte who were probably as intelligent as Mr. Watson. I would imagine that he has the same values as they did. This is to say that racism, ethnocentrism as well as other isms continue to create schisms in society by the proponents of totally irrelevant statements which are continuing to be given attention by the news. I wonder if Mr. Watson would be open to the dissection of his brain to determine the etiology of his character defect.

God Bless Mr. Watson and those who attend his lectures that promotes such negativity in society

Gary Bailey, Burlington, NC

I agree with Neil Stewart, Africa is a poor country and people obviously don't have the facilities of Europe and America and the rest. So of course most black people are going to have a lower IQ.

13 year-old.

Natalie, London, England

You see, every one is missing the point. Our intelligence is being measured by what the white man thinks is right, hence, it is natural that we fall short. If you judge a white mans intelligence by our own traditions, you will classify them as not fit to live. Not worry, the truth will surely come out one day.

I give you an example, if you asked a black man from the river Niger are a good few hundred years ago who Columbus is, he will have no idea of who Columbus or what the river Niger is.

However, by the white man book, Columbus discovered river Niger and that is what you will find in African school books.
Now is that not the craziest thing you have heard?

John Emebo, UK, UK

I think he's saying what a lot of us believe. Only he has the courage to do so and face the criticism that comes from being "politically incorrect." Just as people have developed differently in terms of physical characteristics, I see no reason why people should all have developed the same in terms of mental characteristics as well. I don't think he was being racist, I think what he says makes sense.

Ann, New York,

Africans are very intelligent people contrary to what Dr. Watson has said. The main reason for the poverty in Africa is simply the fact that different ethnic nationalities were lumped up forcibly together into single countries by reason of conquest by European powers. Today there is still a struggle for leadership in these countries along ethnic lines. This has bred a system whereby positions of authority are handed out on the basis of ethnicism and not merit. The Europeans encouraged this system for a very long time because it served their interest of purchasing Africa's abundant resources at knock down prices. The result has been wars and poverty.
Africans have also built great civilizations in the past like the Benin , Dahomey, Songhai empires etc. Civilization is not just about building huge castles of stone but also how individuals and society relate with their environment for sustenance without negatively affecting the environment.

Ibibia Awoju, Lagos, Nigeria

I am quite surprised by this mans absolute comment, considering that he is from a scientific back ground which requires firm evidence. The only reason anyone has been able to bring up so far is that "AFRICA IS NOT DOING VERY WELL." this is because Africa is a poor country, and war ravaged poor nations are'nt easy to do your homework in. For instance take a capable student from Africa and allow the same opportunity to learn as Dr Watson has had and you'd see great results. Take Dr watson to Congo to complete his education and thngs could be difficult. There is also a matter of perspective that seems distorted. Many people in support of Dr watson unfounded statements seem to completly forget the colonisation of Africa by alot of Euro nations. History has shown that black people have been prevented from learning, first by not allowing us to read or write, and then segregation with poorly funded black schools, and now trying convince others that we're un-intelligent. Nature Nurture?

Neil Stewart, Bristol, England

I think it's best to keep an open mind, but people who want to praise Dr. Watson and use the line "He's using scientific research" must keep in mind that there is just as much "scientific research" that says the opposite. So who do you trust? How does this man suddenly have the last word on this? What some (black and other) people are upset about is not his so-called findings but the potential abuse of his findings. This could easily be used to turn time back to when black people by 'law' were 'not' allowed to learn. "Well, they are naturally less intelligent so why let them be educated at all?" At one time we couldn't learn, period, without severe punishment and even when I was a child there were parts of the country where I wouldn't have been able to go to certain schools (this was in America) The truth is that the good doctor has had many dodgy theories about sex & race and therefore does deserved to be viewed with at least skepticism (and some would say comtempt).

Alexander Thomas, London, originally from America

The truth hurts, Dr. Watson is only stating something that everyone else has been afraid to say. Regardless of what you believe, or how offended one might be, the facts are facts. If tests and studies support this statement, then who can argue?

Fabian, NC,

How are black people suppose to feel? how are black children suppose to rise above. this is just another blow for the black race. the real answer lies in nature versus nurture theory. Black people in my opinion are not naturally less intelligent but because the majority live in poverty it could be environmental.

Jal, Birmingham,

Finally someone who has the courage to speak the truth about this issue!

John, Germantown,

By the i'm only 10

Gloria Ukoh, Gravesend, Kent

Aren't we all people? Who cares if we're black, white or mixed race? Who cares if we're American, English, Asian Carribean African... etc. How does he even know balck people are less intelligent than the white? Yes we all know that Africa is a poor place but that doesn't mean we're dumb. Some white people we're born dumb but Some african doctors are trying save their lives. I'm only 10 but i know these things. Ok if u dont believe me: Martin Luther King for example. He was balck but was the most remembered person in history. He was Smart. To sum it all up, Civilization started in Africa, white people came to study to be scienctist in africa. So i seriously dunno what he's talking about.!

Gloria Ukoh, Gravesend, Kent

In my experience, the people who cry racism the most have been those who are the most racist...in my experience. Did no one bother to actually READ what he said? Quote: He says that you should not discriminate on the basis of colour, because “there are many people of colour who are very talented (doesn't sound remotely racist), but don’t promote them when they haven’t succeeded at the lower level” (well that just makes sense! Why promote someone if they are not performing well? THAT would be racist!): end quote. I think the PC crowd are intentionally misrepresenting what he said to get people riles and advance their own agenda...a grotesque one of homogeny (among other things, but this is not a rant). We were NOT all created equal, we are all different. That is what makes us interesting.

Shaudee, NY,

Why does everyone care so much? The level of attention you devote to this scientist's comments lends them much more visibility, whether valid or not. I think everyone's time and energy would be better spent actively enjoying their lives and bringing some positive change to the world.

Perhaps his comments have scientific value. Eventually, that will be determined as more research is completed. But even if it does have a factual basis (obviously debatable at this stage), that shouldn't affect how people choose to conduct themselves, or view others.

If you feel his comments are inaccurate, your time would be better spent demonstrating that fact with your actions in life, rather than standing and shouting, "You're wrong! We da best! And I gona tell eveyone wile not spellin rite!"

...Actually, that is one note I would have to add... When trying to assert your equal intelligence, it doesn't reinforce your point to butcher the language of your protest.

David, Columbus,

Watson's view may still be valid for whatever motivation he had. It could have been discussed purely in a scientific manner if the white men have not done all these evils to the blacks. Now the white men are just harvesting what they have sowed. In a Buddhist term, Karma.

HJ, San Francisco, US

Despite the bleak form that is occurring in Africa, at the present. One must not ignore history, history is cyclical and at one point when the Angkor Wat was built England was nothing but a hut in the midst of the forest. Cycles will change, it is not the end of history. In fact, while Nubia was great I mean English Kings were still barbarians. Rome? Greece? They don't think of themselves as white they're mediterreanean people how did Rome get associated with English people anyway? Too much movies, now you people think an Irishman's Alexander the Great

Liyana T, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

see this is waht you get when youve been colonised for 100 of years, and in turn some old white man comes with the idea that our intelligence it due to the fact that we are different race! im sorry to hear that because i some point respected this man.
and Kris, Washington, DC these people are like that because of white people, they colonised them and took away all they natural resources and left them with nothing. white people olny 'help' african countries they have intrest in them, i.e for political, economic reason. the only areas in south africa thats doing well is the white areas. the only countries that developed in the world are white men's area, thats what they like us to think anyway. because white people grouped everyone; third world, first world. lol,
and that becuase as Frank said "you developed by underdeveloping other countrie" therefore if it werent for africa white people would be the pooresrt of the poorest!

fai, leicester, england

this is a perfect example that education isnt all knowledge,to some it is to others its paper work,but i dont blame that old white man hes probably too old and obssessed with his qaulifications to think clearly.

peter whites, auckland, new zealand

It has been proven, time and time again, by history itself that Africans and Black people all over the world have contributed immensely to society at large; and not just in the mode of entertainment as some would love to think. So, my question is, did our intelligence dwindle to a lesser stature than whites over the course of evolution? (HUH?) Or is this yet another broad statement, which purposely enrages black people and once again presents our feverish defense against yet another attack as unintelligent? We shall overcome.

Kris, Washington, DC

It is not said that all blacks are less intelligent, and that not whites are more intellegent. But look at the countries in Africa that is under Black rule. Those countries are not doing to well. Even look at South Africa, the amount of crime, the unemployment rate, The poverty, the lack of housing, the corruption, and the list goes on. Even after 12 years of democracy, the goverment feels that something like Affirmative Action is still requiered. Why? So that that companies are still forced, not to employ the best person for the job, but the best Black person for the job. What are they afraid of. Our goverment has created reversed racism. Everything that goes wrong is blamed on apartheid or whites. Blacks in this country are more racist now, after democracy, than the whites are.

Maybe its not a question of intelligence, maybe its one of morallity. What your culture teaches you. Maybe Its not what you know, but how you are taught to deal with what you know.

Rex, JHB, South Africa

EGYPT was an Arab society..not African..the Africans were their slaves...if you look at the Egyptian paintings royalty was drawn wih light skin based on Arab features...

sharon, boston,

We are the so called fore - fathers of civilzation and yet we languish in abject poverty. We are truly "inteligent" yet we are utilized at maximum potentials at our expense. Ask me how many africa - americans have today been eager to locate his or her genetic link with africa. It is even yet sad that we cannot learn from currend trends. South Africa today survives as a leading economy in Africa but note that South Africa is 40% white and 60% black. Robert Mugabe sent all white farmers away from Zimbabwe and tell me what followed? Britain(coal country)- one of the richest. Nigeria (Oil country)- 26th poorest in the world. From old slavery to modern slavery yet we cannot think! The Civil war in Sudan is a good example and the Rwandan genocide still remains fresh in our memories!

Fasanya O I, Abuja, Nigeria

Im a 23 year old black woman, who happens to own a media company that's one of the BEST in Africa. I graduated from university @ the age of 20. Instead of 7years @ primary school, i did 5. And 4 in high school. They always "upgraded" me coz im intelligent.

I have 19 employees, 10 blacks, 2 indians & 8 whites, and to tell you the truth, YOUR SO CALLED IMPORTANT PEOPLE ARE THE DUMBEST IN MY COMPANY! (Very funny)

Khanyisa, Johannesburg, South Africa

The Africans that built Egypt, created mathematics, science, chemistry, religion all rolled up in the highest sign of science known as Philosophy did not disappear. We were conquered after thousands of years of rule.
After this we were ruled by the Arabs, but that did not stop our innovations and skills.
We then conquered and ruled the Iberian Peninsula (Spain) and would have gone into France if not for Charlemagne's Grandfathers ability to stop our advances.
We then proceeded to civilise Spain and disseminate our knowledge. People came from all over Europe to gain our knowledge.
Since we were adversary's to the European's the Jews served as middle men for the dissemination of OUR knowledge. This is how YOUR Oxford University was established.
'Catch up yuh lip! and pull that foot out of your mouth!

Laurence Oliver, Brooklyn, US

I imagine that if Dr. Watsons’ studies involve the natively born Black Americans then there might be a small and very insignificant amount of truth to his comment. However, and most importantly, if Dr. Watson is underlining or pointing out what has been inherited then he is ignoring White Americas’/Europeans 500-year-old start at inheriting better intelligence. Dr. Watson wishes to make ignorant statements is not based on any scientific findings though much like common sense. We all naturally absorb or inherit from our parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and so forth. We inherit eye colors, hair colors, diseases, noses, lips, and yes-even intelligences. So, he is celebrating his scientific studies brought on by a 500-year old lead due to the affliction of slavery? I do not believe that any other race has been subjected to beatings or death for attempting to gain intelligence.
As far as African Americans: those whom are natively born from Africa; influences there as well

C. Fitz, Glen Burnie,

I think Dr. Watson is telling the truth. Research the stats and see which ethnic group on the national average scores lowest on the ACT and SAT tests; has the highest rate of high school drop outs; and again has the the lowest - on the national average - IQs than any other ethnic group.

Cami, Texarkana, Arkansas

Dr. James D. Watson is a brave man stepping out of the political correct line to say what people of all races already know, we are different. When studying history one thing that always amazes people is how bias man can suppress scientific thought because of religious beliefs. A religion correct line if we must. How could men of such high learning be so blind? So my question to all the critics of Dr. Watson is why are you so blind? If you cannot be honest about these topics then go back to your shadows and do not pollute the truth.
D. G. Young

D. G. Young, Killen, Al

Intelligence? It seems that a measure of intelligence is how many people can you justifiably suppress.. Is it intelligent to squeeze our planet of resources, push "primitive" people out of their homes in the name of progress; consume more than we need (especially, in the "intelligent" west); take credit for achievements that are not all our own? Intelligence is conferred to those with the biggest voice, the biggest gun, the most money. Intelligence seems to mean that you can look down on the not so intelligent. As I grow older I have stopped being in awe of the intellectual because I am consistently disappointed to find that they are easily among the most stupid people I meet. Blinkered by their own achievements, theories and their unwavering belief in their intelligence they are capable of leading nations to torture and murder in the name of superior intelligence forgetting that being intelligent gives you no more rights to land, property, to leave in peace than anyone else.

Arlene Slater, London,

l like Mr What ? He is so good he make you comment about your own egnorance . I believe this is one of the lessons that we need to lean as Africans taking control of our self’s and the world we leave in ,otherwise we will always became victims of this shameful world .
The fact that we master and honour her majesty language and we try very hard to become part of her world this is part of megandase our selfs to the bureaucrats such as Mr what what. Lastly let us prove our self’s that we are able more than them and we think better than them, by doing good to our self and come up with progressing things. we have to achieve and develop our selfs and stop to depand on them.
This man I like him very much he is a constant reminder that a white man is still my enemy and he whont ever change his peseption about me and you.

Danster , BFN, South Africa

This is one of the most shameful things any sane modern human being should move away from. What if we say white people are historically thieves? Wouldnt it make much more sense when we think about the plunder they have made on rich african resorurces, including stealing our strong and intellengent young men through slavery? This is shameful. Ok, let me propose something, white people are historically criminals, in fact, all countries which perpetrated slavery ought to be taken to task for crimes against humanity.

Andrew, leeds, England

I think i will write a book entitled, the Black man is more intelligent than the white man, then i will attend all the launches and i will be so rich and famous, media houses will call me for interviews and my book will be the best seller.
let me see i will start by doing a small site entitles black are more superior than whites.
big deal on who is more intelligent, i cant call starting a war in Iraq intelligent.

Mfalme Elmiagi, Nairobi, Kenya

We have soo many dillusional people in this World. This is a classic example of someone with proficiency in his Scientific profession but with a hateful resentment towards people of darker shade. This shows how hate is still grossly imbeded into American society. Those from the so called "Elite" class claim that Southern Whites are the only racist in America. In many cases it's people like James Watson who have sustained oppression of non-whites in this country more so than Southern White.
It's too bad they can't take his Noble Prize back for dishonor. You can have Olympic Gold Medals taken away for improper activites so why not the Nobel prize?

Dhugaa Basaa, Los Angeles, CA

I dont find this debate at all edifying. Some small minded white person repeating an assertion that has beenmade by his kin for 1000s of years is but an insult to the much vaunted intellect of such kin. Watson would perhaps better spend his time discovering something useful, such as 'a cure for the stupidity of the balck person'. Or would that be too far beneath his superior intellect?

As for the the scientific community that gives him the cloak of respectability (respected scietist, respected by whom?) it might be time re-examine whether he is a worthy member of your society. Unless ofcourse you quietly agree with him in which case, what would be the point.

maurice othulo, LONDON, England

Have you stolen you TV on national Television today? The audacity of you denying something that is so apparently true through how "your people" put themselves out there. If you dont want to be thought of as less intelligent, MAKE SMARTER DECISIONS! Have a nice day.

Aaron, Bossier City, US, LA

What can I say about this? Such a respected person as him, it's a shame. I am black and I think it's a complete waste for the entire nation; human nation. Sad.

Arnold, Paris, FRANCE

Lets not forget that this measurement of 'intelligent' is achieved using the white man's yard stick, therefore it is only relevant to westerners. the question should now be, what is the point of this continuous assertion of superiority over the Africans? is it to justify the present and past demise of black people caused by the west? or is it to justify the extraction of resources from African to sustain the west? the 18th century scholars used this same ideology to justify slavery, which made them very wealthy, could hat be the same now?. i do not care what the white man thinks of me as i do not wish to control nor monitor his thoughts, rather i am concern with how his ideas become actions that effects and determines my fate in a world dominated by the white man's idea.

maureen, Dublin,

I think it is appalling that a man of such intelligence can be so narrow minded as to think that black people are less intelligent than others; there is absolutely no scientific proof that this is correct. There are so many clever black people in the whole in proportion to white and other races, and it shows that Watson is the less intelligent person here.

Olivia, London,

There are racial differences in physical structure (muscle density, height), and skin tolerance (melanin). Additionally, the socio/economic situation of an individual can and will influence a person actions or behavior. However to say that the color of the skin can affect the learning capacity of a person is absurd!

Sib , Boston, MA

Well maybe one should then claim that the Japanese,Indians,Chinese(East Asia) and Jews are more intelligent than the whites.More of those people of genetic makeup in the NASA or MIT than whites.Jews and Chinese control most of the world economy-obviously more intelligent.The whites are pirates -all they did was to rob the africans of their rich resources, leave them depleated and make them dependent through neocolonisation.Any head of state of Africa who was against the whites was most usually assisinated(CIA) etc.The whites hate the blacks so much that they will do anything to keep them inferior.Who were the more ecologically intelligent? The so called savages.If we had more blacks in this world our earth wouldn`t have the drastic ecological changes we are having now.Maybe blacks are a superior race-both physically and IQ wise and the whites fear them and hence do evrything to make the rest of the world think otherwise.Black skin is superior to white.Dermatologically seen.

reddy MD, Germany,

Genetically seen black skin is healthier and evolutionary superior to white skin.Due to the less melanocytes and melanin pigment in the white skin-(genetically determined) they are more prone to dying out Darwin`s theory of natural selection..tfrom Skin cancer-Melanomas etc...Due to the hole in the ozone layer and the massive UV radiation getting worse each day.The hole created by their greed and industrialisation will eventually cause them to die out.Goodbye to blondes and white skin-hello to healthy beautiul white skin.W´hites usually love to put down anything that could be superior to them.Blacks are beautiful with the supeior skin colour.Genetically superior!

reddy MD, Germany,

It is quite amazing to see how far some people will go to put a stop to the increasing success of people of black ethnic. This is just another claim to keep black people out of competition, oppressed and in poverty. Any person with half a brain knows this is not the case. How does he explain figures like Osama, who is running for presidency in America, Ms Rice, and Collin Power among many, many more. I think Mr. Watson deserves everything coming to him, because those were very outrageous comments to make. I mean, did he not think about the damage of his so cold scientific findings.

MARIAM NSUBUGA, Hammersmith, England

It is about science. There is no doubt that there are uncounted numbers of verry intelligent black pople out there. And uncountend numbers of less inteligent people from different races. But saying that all races have in general exacly the same brain power capacity is just beeing quiet becouse of some kind of pressure, internal or external .
I think it is becouse of environment. The black pearson did get far away from gathering and hunting.

Jang, Tokyo, Japan

uh, did we not all evolve from a common ancestor somewhere in.....lets see... africa?

roz, toronto,

In the 19th century, blacks were said to have black blood and were inferior, in the 20th century, the jews were racially inferior to the whites leading to the holocaust, and now blacks are again less intelligent. I am black and a doctor, my wife is a doctor, my brother is an ccountant, my nephew has a masters in oil engineering, my niece is a doctor, my nephew has an MBA, I suppose we are all unitelligent by Dr Watsons criteria. All he has done is give ammunition to demented racists all over the world and has manage to set racial relations back to the dark ages. Let him stay in America and I hope the Nobel committee withdraws his price!

Dr Laja Mustapha, Orpington, UK,

Fair to say that Dr. Watson made a great contribution to 20th century science. Now he leaves us with 2 choices. Run to the store and buy his new book or just see it as it is. Just an other way to make a living. What will you do ?

Omar, Agadir, Morocco

I don't know what these claims are based on, yet I think it would be extremely unlikely that considering the diversity of human life that the average intelligence is the same across all races.

I am white, yet I am willing to concede that other races may well be on average more intelligent than whites. That does not mean that there can't be intelligent people in every race and it does not mean environmental conditions also have no bearing on intelligence.

Watson may just be a racist, but that does not mean intelligence is independent of race. Intelligence is controlled by the way we evolve, hence why some animals are more intelligent than others. Surely by the same argument intelligence may vary due to race.

Jo R, Southampton, UK

LL from La Jolla,

You ding dong --- you are OVER-represented. You are 100% of the people in your position. Of course, whatever your handicap is (person of color, person of gender, nescient fool, etc.), THAT is what is allegedly underrepresented. Please cue the violins while I translate your screed. What you are saying is the poor folks victimized by male Whitey, including all people on Earth except Whitey himself, are wise beyond Whitey's capacity for wisdom, by virtue of their suffering, and therefore deserve employment, brain-dead or not, bigoted or not ... oops, I forgot that non-white and/or non-male people are constitutionally incapable of bigotry. My mistake.

Chris Larkin, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

The topic I'm afraid should never be explored. If we are all on average the same intelligence then there is no point in looking into it and if some people are more intelligent than others on average then this will lead to manifest prejudice.

People will be looked over for jobs and written off before being given a chance to show their abilities

I dont think the benefits out way the draw-backs in that research

M, Cardiff,

In an analysis of Census Bureau data by the Journal of Blacks in higher education African immigrants to the United States were found more likely to be college educated than any other immigrant group. African immigrants to the U.S. are also more highly educated than any native-born ethnic group including white Americans (Logan & Deane, 2003; Dixon, 2006; Journal of Blacks in higher education, 1999-2000; Onwudiwe, 2006; Otiso and Smith, 2005; The Economist, 1996). Some 48.9 percent of all African immigrants hold a college diploma. This is slightly more than the percentage of Asian immigrants to the U.S., nearly double the rate of native-born white Americans, and nearly four times the rate of native-born African Americans (The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, No. 26 (Winter, 1999-2000), pp. 60-61).

In 1997, 19.4 percent of all adult African immigrants in the United States held a graduate degree, compared to 8.1 percent of adult whites and 3.8 percent of adult blacks in the United States, respectively (The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, No. 26 (Winter, 1999-2000), pp. 60-61). This information suggests that America has an equally large achievement gap between whites and African immigrants as there is between white and black Americans.

Charles, Beverly Hills, United States

The claims that Watson has made about the intelligence level of people of African decent has no basis in fact. The laws of genetics proposed by Gregor Mendel over 100 years ago proved that some genes are dominant to others.
It has been proven that people of African decent tend to have more of the dominant genes therefore they have a stronger chance of survival over those who tend to have more of the recessive genes. Stronger genes produces people with stronger intelligence not weaker intelligence. This fact can be proven on a molecular level. In other words the intellectual ability of an individual is encoded in their DNA. The DNA of those of African decent proves that their intellectual ability is equal to that of white people.
It is shocking that a scientist who has contributed to the discovery of the structure of DNA has demonstrated his lack of knowledge about the function of DNA by making such a scientifically inaccurate statement.
Mildred, Chicago, Il

Mildred, Chicago, USA/Illinois

I have to question Dr. Watson's perspective from a scientific point of view. The black population of most countries - the U.S., Caribbean countries such as Haiti and Puerto Rico and the U.K. in particular, are not "pure bred," meaning that most people with black skin color have had ancestors who were Caucasian or members of the indigenous population (native American, for example.) If test results and employment anecdotes across the board indicate that individuals with pigmentation darker than mine are lower achievers, wouldn't that be indicative of cultural, rather than hereditary, issues?

Jean, Indianapolis, Indiana / USA

Inner city Chris with 5 degrees: you are a credit to your race, the human race that is.

Someone summed it up well with this:
'1. The standards were created by and legitimized by whites, therefore making them inherently biased, 2. Blacks have only had 40 years or so of access to the same education that whites have had for hundreds of years, and 3. I would debate that this equality of education has even been uniformly accessible.'

It is harder to do well acadamically if you are black. Not because of a lack of intelligence but the system is set up in a way which makes it harder for black people. If you are from a less privelged background it is harder to break out of that then someone with a priveliged background. As black people on average have less money and therefore come from a poorer background, it is harder for them. It is the same for working class whites-it's just there are more poor blacks.

Chris, Lewisham, London

Agreed, Watson is blinded by his prejudice towards difference. He reflects the racist science of his times that infected black people with syphilus. The hatred is disgusting, and that such a racist thinker as Waston is sufficiently priveleged to fiddle around with genetics is an utterly reviling prospect. Some one needs to critque him and publish a book on his revolting lack of humanity and the abusive nature of his character.

Huan , Vancouver, Ca

The concept of race is false. For someone who discovered DNA (an evolutionary process), it surprises me that Dr. Watson didn't point that out, when he was viciously attacked for being something that doesn't exist,e.g., racist. Human value is the manifestation of genetics, where he was only giving his perception of human value, in genetic terms. The fact that there is duality in everything, shouldn't the people with an opposing perception to his, be as viciously attacked?

JJ, SLC, USA

If Watson had the evidence to substantiate his claim then, as his clam is so radical, he would have published the evidence. He did not, so he cannot!
QED

John Cliffe, Penistone, S. Yorks

There's only one race the human race, so what we're talking about is ethnicity. We also need to consider that IQ tests measure how well you applied yourself in school which doesn’t necessarily correlate to native intelligence and can be affected by any number of factors. As a whole, blacks are quite underprivileged; they are more likely to be impoverished and to be educated in school systems that don’t have the same resources that many whites and even Asians have. There are problems of racism and low expectations that also dog the black student and have been shown to have a negative effect on their education success. Therefore, if on the whole blacks score behind whites on IQ scores we need to stop and consider what that really means. According to Asian scores, they are the smartest people on the planet or is it simply that they put a higher premium on education and therefore try harder in class? Sounds more cultural than genetic to me.

DonaldaG, Seattle, WA

If "White Men Can't Jump" <(A Black film title acceptable to everyone)then maybe, blacks are not as smart as whites as a whole. If blacks are given genic gifts with sports, then maybe It's possible for this scientist comments to be very true. If spoken about one is a racist...

Tom , new york, new york

So are whites and blacks different or the same? It seems that whites and blacks want to be different OR equal only when it benefits them, and largely ignore the problems they cause together. (I would call this human nature!) It would make sense if the blacks are "not as intelligent" as whites for three reasons: 1. The standards were created by and legitimized by whites, therefore making them inherently biased, 2. Blacks have only had 40 years or so of access to the same education that whites have had for hundreds of years, and 3. I would debate that this equality of education has even been uniformly accessible. That's not touching on the fact that the quality of education has been steadily declining, so even now that blacks are given opportunities to access the education system, it's not the same quality of education that it was 10-15 years ago. I'm not sure what the answers are, but it's our problem, every one of us, and you certainly can't judge this book by it's cover (or color!)

GM, Atlanta, USA / Georgia

People are different. Black athletes are stronger and anyone denying this look at sports like basketball and football. Who cares though. Every group has advantages and disadvantages. Could it be on average blacks are slightly less intelligent, then say, Asians. Maybe. But so what. The problem arises when categorizing that ALL black people are less intelligent. Does that mean ALL Asians have a smaller penis? What about white people. I'm sure there are differences, but who gives a damn if I'm smarter or dumber than my neighbor. You know in 1000 years, there will be just one race because the world as a whole is mixing and sharing, so future generations will be hybrids of many groups. I have a strong idea that many many years from now, black, white, Asian, etc, will be non-existent and will be viewed as archaic thinking. Competing in the Olympics, one country against another in the name of pride will be considered pretty superficial.

Kiran, Edison, USA / NJ

Truth if it hurts should not always be SPOKEN

Isaac, brooklyn, USA/NY

I have a problem with people like Alyssa who say "people who have a problem with black people are racist." Not only WHITE PEOPLE can be racist, blacks can be racist too.

you know what? instead of being called white, i want to be called european-american. the term "white" offends me because i am, infact, not that color.

Eliza, L.A.,

As an underrepresented student in a biomedical sciences PhD program, I have encountered a surprising number of other high IQ people with extremely misguided views about different races and cultures. They make the mistake of thinking that their best guess of how social inequities come about is a fine substitute for actually experiencing the challenges of a different race or culture. Watson's comments, like those of Lawrence Summers (infamous Harvard president who thinks women naturally suck at science and math), are precisely the reason we need to continue to increase representation of minorities and women in science.

His remarks are as ignorant as saying that there is a genetic basis for arrogance and racism among people of european descent.

LL, La Jolla, CA

i think when it comes to being with arfican americans is like being with people who think as white people do. None is smarter than another when it comes to color. people who have a problem with black people are racic.

Alyssa, citrus heights, california, sacromento

How do you know he didn't actually study this an come up with claim after studying African's genes and by doing tests. It seem possible that one race could have different intelligence than others. Some races are faster, grow taller, grow shorter, have different colors. Why couldn't intelligence be affected by the different races and our different genes?

Nob, Dallas, TX

It is certainly an interesting thought, why should intelligence evolve the same? All havent the same capacity, that is a fact, why cant we accept the reason? Geography limits space where things happen. Same goes with those who have closer re-population than others. A friend of mine have 15 generations since year 1700, I have 9, this should affect evolution in long run should´nt it? We are different, we must accept this and be glad for still having left that what intelligence rules out. Some are closer to their origin, this must be true and maybe not always a bad thing?

Matt, Uddevalla,

I think many, if not all white people believe it only he says it out loud.

A black woman.

Angelina, washington ,

Winning a Nobel Prize may prove the greatness of a person’s one scientific achievement. However, it does not guarantee that a person will be a great scientist or a noble person.
Watson was lucky to do research in an era that had less resistance to theoretical findings so that his purely hypothetic paper could even be eventually published in Nature. However, his knowledge of life may have been frozen at the 1962 level. His overemphasis on genetics and ignorance of other discoveries may have hindered scientific advancement necessary for a full-spectrum understanding of life including what intellectual capacity is.
Please read the following two articles to see whether or not the above judgments are fair for Watson.

1. Watson Slips on his own Genetics-Based View and Darwinism (Top Watch 2: 69-71, 2007; http://im1.biz/albums/userpics/10001/TW2007V2N2A15_Watson.pdf)

2. A Revelation of Repeated Disappointments with James Watson (Pioneer 2:36-38, 2007; http://im1.biz/albums/userpics/

Shi V. Liu, Apex, USA/NC

It is hard to believe that a man who has won a Nobel Peace Prize would stoop so low as to sling racist slurs toward a race of people in order to garner attention for his faltering defunct career.
However, this type of behavior sounds very familiar.

Thinking back to Albert Einstein's outrageous behavior and mind rattling comments Einstein was oft to make about other scientist and some members of other White communities, once his career had peaked and began to go down hill. And we all know how sadly his life and career ended.

So maybe, at nearly 80, mind weakening and career falling apart, Dr. Watson is acting out, acting less intelligent than he prehaps should be acting.

jean walker, Dayton, , Greene, Ohio

In response to the statement by Ntui Felix Ayuk, Siegen, Germany ... all leaders think about what is best for their people as a whole, even if it means sacrificing a few, wether or not it worked out for the best is circumstantial. If you think its just Africa is isn't - USA did tests and injected american citizens with radioative material to see its effects during the Manhatten Project. A small e.g. for you to think about. Africa remains in poverty because it has been savaged by colonialism and the rifts created then will take more than a few generations to heal. Look up "the rape of africa" or pick up an OBJECTIVE history text. The blacks were kept in subservience, the natural resources exploited without much development, then europe pulled out, except for those who stayed and continued apartheid. . I could go on but im running out of space. Please read a few history books, and try to understand that develpment in many ways was basically put on hold during this period of exploitation

Matt, St.Cathrine, Jamaica

Why has Africa remained the only continent with leaders who donnot think for their people?
Why has African remained the only continent which upon hearing that Chirac is coming for a visit will sweep alll the streets and aftzer his departure donnot care to do that for herselves?
Why has Africa remained the only continent with the highest rate of poverty despite the vast deposits of natural resources?
Indeed this Mr. Watson is wrong in his statement but I want smebody to answer me this questions because I think any wise person would allow things to happen that way....

Ntui Felix Ayuk, Siegen, Germany

I don't believe that Dr. Watson means to say that "Black" people are not intelligent but Africans do not have the institutional and educational advances that we have. Evolution does vary by region but not to say that Africans are behind, just to say that it is not equal, everyone is not the same but all equally important with our own intelligence, and talents. Maybe I'm not saying what the Doctor said exactly and maybe it sounds like I support him but I support the theory of variance and we can not be equal if we are not the same.

Monet, Philadelphia, PA

Out of modesty and not meaning to blow the trumpet of the black race. I would like to remind us that there is a lot to show that the foundations of modern day education, infractruture and technology can be traced back to Africa our homeland. If we take a few examples such as early writing, numerals, and other wonders of the world such as the pyramids, I wonder then if anyone has a right to say the black race or any race at all is less intelligent than the other. I say we should all remember our roots, history and should not be daunted by such issues.

Oluwabankole Falade

Oluwabankole Falade, Lagos, Nigeria

Is Dr. Watson saying there are no intelligent black people in the world. Is he living in the dark ages, I am sure that there are intelligent black people where he lives. Do he know how many of the things that he takes for granted where in invented by African Americans. A lot of them were not even formally educated. Speaking as a semi educated Africa American I take great offense to what he said. I would have expected better out of some one with his intelligence.

Veronica Jamison, Wilimington, United States, Delaware

I will unabashedly stand upon the facts as Genesis and scientific evidence lay them out: there is only ONE RACE: the HUMAN RACE. The theory of evolution makes room for a host of evils, including racial discrimination. And all in the name of self-autonomy - not having to believe that God exists.

Bethany Davidson, Goderich, Ontario, Canada

have this socalled "intelligent" people ever asked themeselfes ,where do we have our knowledge from?????????

who enlightend europe,the cavemen???????????


the moor

the moor, san fernando, trinidad/tobago W.I.

There is a huge difference between being less intelligent and less educated.....even people who win Noble prizes can say stupid things.

Kat, maryland,

At the beginning - J.Watson literally stole - DNA structure discovery made and described by Rosalind Franklin - dying of cancer cristallographer - his coworker and disinformed Nobel committee. He simply took without permission her laboratory journal with latest images of DNA after her presentation at the lab meeting.

Now - he produced an opinion which just corretly reflects his attitude towards black. No surprise at all.

V.Melton, Saskatoon, Canada

People listen
On both sides, people are making good comments, but one concept has been forgotten in the agruement.
Every race has different ideas on what makes up success. Some value education, some money, some easy going lifestyle, some happy simple life. Also, the drive for success also varies between races, this is the fundamental reason together with the black communities lack of respect for education among the same age group that drops their acheivement.

krishan canagasabey, baldock, england

it saddens me when minorities, especially blacks are constantly being verbally attacked for belonging to a “DIFFERENT race and culture”. When people are sad they hurt the same. Hurt knows no color, race, gender and certainly has no intellectual ability, unless I’m not smart enough to notice.

Please people, think before you speak!

kelvin, london, Uk

The fact that we cannot define intelligence, and then set out to try and measure it, is unscientific. That the word race is still being used is also unscientific. Many of these comments have switched to using color words, black and white, further confusing the outdated unscientific use of the word race. As if that wasn't bad enough, others have used geographical terms, European, Asian, Oriental, as if they were scientific genetic groups. At least I haven't had to read about Hispanics, a language group, based on the aftermath of the Spanish conquest, as if that were a scientifically supportable genetic sample. For Dr. Watson to generalize about an entire continent's "IQ" is utterly unbelievable. I guess the history of the Nazis and the Jews wasn't tragedy enough to stop this dangerous (and TOTALLY unscientific) system of categorizing us human beings.

Edward Cookman, lake oswego, oregon, usa

I totally agree with you callaghan. Same thing happens in France.You cannot express an idea which is not "politically correct".
It would be extraordinary if black & whites had exactly the same intelligence whereas they are so different on many other points.
Why expressing something that you believe as true would automatically make you a racist ?
It was the voice of a distinguished scientist not the voice of an extreme right party member. Judgemental people should be more carefull when judging J.Waston.

bdug, toulouse, France

We all have our disadvantages and advantages regarding our cultures and ethnicty. Proffessor Watson was proclaiming this and a man with his vast knowledge and experience must be listened to. It's a pity that free speech is no longer allowed in this country.

richard callaghan, hull, e yorks

unfortunatly the assessment to education and well payd work funtions are not so equally distributed around the world. How can one expect a rainbow of races and credos or sex orientation people on every "lines" of our society?

Kalinka, Portugal, Portugal

Let's have a thorough discussion about intelligence first! And I suppose the appalling reeks of this filthy debate will just vanish into the air!

And please do not mention IQ which is a completely flawed statistical tool designed by a consumerist society for a consumerist society. The junk-food of thought. Intelligence is and always be multi-dimensional! The intelligence of Man is so wide that it can hardly be appraised!

And please, stop pointing at Political Correctness which serves only to dissimulate your own ignorance.

Now let's have a thorough debate about this unprecedented wave of xenophobia and racist ideas across Europe. In eighteenth century Europe, those who supported racist ideas were invariably those who opposed laws in favour of the poor. Some conservatives even thought that the English poor were another race!

Those who are supporting this new revisionism are simply serving the interest of the rich while needlessly upsetting billions.

Yanai Guedj, Paris

Yanai Guedj, Paris, France

One would suppose Dr Watson hopes he ain't no one drop dude? He does remind me of the honors social studies teacher I would have had, and how that teacher admitted he did not understand black people or black history.

Chip Surkett, Rochester, NY, US

Everybody should read "FREAKONOMICS" - it teaches us that we need to think twice before assuming that a correlation between two sets of data implies a direct link. Example: black students score lower on tests. Oh, that must mean black students are not as smart as their non-black counterparts! What flawed logic.

"Freakonomics" points out that there are many socio-economic, socio-cultural and even psychological factors at play, and statistics NEVER speak for themselves. One thing to consider, for example, is that as a GENERAL rule, people only perform as well as is expected of them. That's why things like poverty have a cyclical effect. Teachers don't expect poor students to perform well on tests, so they encourage them less. The same students thus find that they are praised for doing the minimum that is required to pass. What's the incentive to excel then?

Sadly, even the most intelligent people will think whatever they want to think, as such is the nature of prejudice.

NH, London, UK

This could only be true if we reject the following facts.

Nature and nurture questions.

IQ

Intelligence and colour Question.

The question about the intelligence of Blond people and Halfcast.

Richard N Amoako Belgium

Amoako, Merksem, Belgium

I am NOT racist myself, but I do accept that there are differences (good and bad) between the various races of the earth and I think it is absurd that political correctness has gone so far that we cant even celebrate these differences for fear of being branded a racist. For example it is generally accepted that black athletes are physically superior to white athletes. However this is not to say that white athletes are rubbish;its just an evolutionary difference between races.

Therefore IF there is evidence to support James Watson, then he is entitled state it. Of course to imply that ALL black people are stupid IS racist. You cant paint every black person with the same brush; there would be serious adverse social&employment issues if black people were looked upon as inferior. Society needs to embrace racial differences and build on them: celebrate the good differences and help to reconcile the bad, rather than hiding behind political correctness and failing acknowledge they exist.

Joe, Totton, UK

Keith Vaz says the scientist's comments are baseless. He IS a Scientist and Vaz is a mere politician who relies on cliches taken from the the Nulab reference book on "What to say and when".

I believe it true the blacks are better than whites when it comes to most sports. Just look at the colours of the top athletes around the world. On the same line, now look at the colours of the top scientists, business leaders, lawyers et al around the world. What do you see?

Terry Harris, Brighton, UK

Kethel your coment regarding Nigerians proving their intelligence by running their clever scams is ridiculous.
Look how easily they get caught!

Caleb, London, England

Dr. Watson has been denounced by his colleagues, fired from the institute he pretty much founded, his speaking engagements in England cancelled, and he has since skulked out of England, yet, this part of the story does not appear in this publication anywhere, let alone as the most emailed. One has to wonder...

Felicia, Birmingham, Int'l PhD student/USA

Maybe we whites (in the name of religion) killed of the intelligent natives in order to rule (profit)..hence no gene base for future generations ??

Kasou, Norrköping, Sweden

Modern politics has taken over from the medieval Catholic Church as the source of suppression and persecution. The reaction to this person's comments are typical of the thought police.

meltonmark, Johannesburg, RSA

For Dr Watson not to have anticipated the outrage that would follow such statements as he made illustrates a lack of intelligence that would be difficult to ascribe to any race no matter what your prejudice may be. Unless, of course, he meant to be inflammatory in which case he deserves all the castigation he is getting.

Peter, London,

So all races are 100% similar in all aspects? Most of these politically correct comments makes me think the doctor got it wrong - its the other way round!

Koos van Zyl, Pretoria, South Africa

that Dr Watsn has made some remarkable achievments in his professional capacity does not sweep under the carpet, the fact that he is yet a human and as such, has his inherent biases and flaws. As a research student of international economic law, I stumble into, on daily basis during research, great and up coming black and asian intellects at reknown institutions across the globe. The endemic problems of wars, corruption occassioning poverty and sit-tightism in governance, are all left-overs of (and are still fuelled by)the west who are perennially stifling economic growth and development in the third world(eg. Iraq, Liberia).However, on a more optimstic note,with the effects of globalisation, opportunities noe exist for employees to directly compare a wider variety of staff from across the colurs of the globe and only then could real sampling and analysis be made. Too early Dr Watson.!

sam okoro, london, england

Watson is arguably an intelligent respected scientist in his OWN GENRE. What I seem tohave missed from his theory are the other facettes to IQ, like environment, social, politica and economic cirumstances all of which play a part in shaping the holistic aproach to intelligence. For starters:How many times have socalled uninteilligent people defied their special 'Brand' and become success stories restoring their integrity. My question:what was Watson's MOTIVE, his hypothesis <premise>to what purpose. The danger is sometimes people go onto investigate cases for which they already have solutions<self-fulfilling prophecies>. Being a man of colour <black> who spent the first 22 year sof my life in Africa, a decade in Germany and am now living in the UK, my advice to all black people is: Make a choice to be SMART and WISE<wisdom is the prinipal thing>. Block off all this noise as it will only distract you. Discover who you are, don't allow other people's discoveries to overshadow your own.

jamzie, east midlands, uk

Intelligence or IQ is best measured as it is written across the ages, through culture and science and the humanities. This must also include EQ, or “emotional intelligence,” since man is more than an abstract mind. Heart and mind ultimately go hand in hand.

To base racial intelligence on mere “IQ” tests has something inherently foolish and narrow-minded about it. For example, we always hear how well Asians perform in “IQ” tests. I have no doubt that that they do, but where is the Asian Euclid, Archimedes, Plato, Aristotle, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo, Gauss, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Goethe, Newton or Einstein, to name but a few? Surely if IQ tests are an indicator of great intelligence, they should exist – no?

This is NOT to disparage Asians, who I think very highly of, but to make the point that culturally, Asians have their own kind of creativity and ways of excelling, all quite wonderful and every bit as human as another. The paranoid need for a “literal equality” obscures this, or merely confounds the issue.

It is therefore a mistake to judge all races by a single narrow standard, no matter how inclusive that standard seems to be unto itself. Before one can even discuss Africa, Africa needs to be understood in terms of its own cultural identity and creativity as expressed across the ages.

Consider this: could Bach have expressed his musical genius in the stone age? Or does a mechanism have to be in place before a faculty can give life to it? Perhaps the faculty itself helps to create it. Perhaps humanity has forms of intelligence not yet expressed? Perhaps the races of man have hidden capacities?

The situation we are all in is this: to adequately judge intelligence itself requires intelligence. All too often, the thing “Intelligence Tests” wind up testing is the simple-minded stupidity—unbeknownst to the testers—of the test and testers themselves.

Robert Farrell , Richmond Hill, USA, New York

First of all, I'm sure that most people don't know the works, books and even how DNA works. Mr. Watson is against the Eugenia. We know that some dogs, cats and horses have different qualities and abilities. Just because we think we are the "most" intelligent being in the "universe" we have no differentiations when it is convenient. Same education + money + life quality = same people, no matter the color or race. We have social and historical background against the black people, it is true. As far I remember, we don't have one black who won the Nobel prize (in scientific subjects, exception to the "peace" prize). What Mr. Watson must care is just that: such comments can cause riots and politics issues. I'm not against black or any other color or race but we have the freedom of speech.

Luiz Rakkan, São Paulo, Brazil

After reading some of these responses, I have come to the conclusion that there are a lot of stupid people in the world, (contributing to a debate on 'Intelligence' - oh, the irony!)despite decades of free education.

For those who are in the ' I am not saying Dr. Watson is right but ......' or ' He is a Noble Prize Winner, so he must be right ......' camps, you should not be allowed out on your own with adult supervision!

Professor Jared Mason Diamond's 'Guns, germs and Steel' has been available in most bookstores, for a number of years.
I would suggest 'members' of the above groups read it, and in this way, you will not embarrass yourself, by promoting your ignorance so publicly.

By the way 'intelligent people' know that it was Watson, Crick and Franklin!!

DM., London,

I think it is important for us to understand what is ment by 'intelligence'. what evidence has Dr Watson used to support his claims? If you ask why black people are underachieving in western societies, then look firstly at 'psychi' of the west. Only 200 years ago black people were viewed as being less than human. No wonder than why it is hard for thyem to 'achieve' in such an intrinsically racist society.

Secondly how is intelligence measured. as a psychologist i would like to point out quit catigorically trhat within the psychological comminuty, the measurement of IQ is always scrutinised as the tools used are not always accurate and for someones findings to be held in great esteem, they have to be peer revied and someone else shoukld be able to get the same if not very similar results using the same methods. I doubt that Dr Watson could make avalable any scientifically tangible evidence to accert his view.

Tahirah Pilgrim, London, United Kingdom

Just because Dr Watson is a scientist, it does not mean that he knows what he is talking about when it comes to intelligence. That is the realm of psychologists not a geneticist!

It is true that some black people are less intelligent that some white people. It is however equally true that some white are less intelligent that some black people. There are more variations within ethnic groups than between. If you were to match Blacks and Whites for age gender socio-economic status and educational achievements etc I do put you would find any significant results.
Moreover, is it not also true that poor white people under achieve also? Is it not true that in Britain social mobility is at an all time low! Working class white males are now seen as the most underachieving nationally. Come on now Dr Watson,
I can tell you this as a black female psychologist I am truly disappointed that someone of your standing will make such claims that he cannot substantiate

Tahirah Pilgrim, London, United Kingdom

There also may be a bit of British nationalism hidden in all this too. I think it always stuck in the British craw that an American essentially discovered the structure of DNA.

could the opposite be applied to the jet engine, penicilin, radar, vertical take off jet and so on

ok you got to the moon but only with herr braun's help

jim, perth, uk

some countries which gained independence from Britain in the 50/60s have got worse off in the past number of decades. Others such as malaysia etc have done very well

alan, dumfries,

James Watson's views about Africans may be distasteful and politically incorrect but they are consistant with accepted theory of evolution. Darwin's theory is based upon his observations of the parallel and differentiated development of finches. The humans that left Africa axiomatically faced different challenges to their survival to those who remained. Is it not a sign of our increasingly immature society that we cannot deal with inconvenient truth.

Charles Clarke, Gillingham, UK

Black 'History' and lack of any civilzational achievement backs up Dr Watson's assertion.
All other civilizations have acheived glorious things at some point or other. Black (Africans) have never acheived anything, no inventions, cultural superlatives etc unfortunately. Therefore there has to be credence in the assertion that they have low intelligence.
All other groups in education, industry or their civilizational history have attained certain levels of development and success. Blacks also are not the only ethnic group to struggle and achieve while facing adversity. Therefore this also is not an excuse.

lucas Bigg, Timbucktu,

Who are we to judge anyone on the basis of anything? More so, what purpose does it serve? Although I do not agree with Watson, I am thankful for his part of the whole, lest we are incomplete. I believe our consciousness rather than intelligence, determines world conditions. Moreover, the problem in overcoming these conditions is the idea of “separateness” – that somehow based on something we are separate. This perpetuates issues like racism, poverty, violence, etc., which in turn hinders our evolution. We are one! There is no “we and they”. Everything is connected, and here for a loving reason that is beyond our mental understanding, and the illusion of the physical. We can know this, by letting go of fear and judgment, and by accepting what we are right now: One Love!

ZiN A. Newman, Houston, Texas

Well the Roman Church told Galileo to shut up too because his work violated its world view. In fact the same assertions were made by two extremely distinguished social scientists in a 1994 book, the Bell Curve. Watson's beliefs are nothing new in scientific circles. There also may be a bit of British nationalism hidden in all this too. I think it always stuck in the British craw that an American essentially discovered the structure of DNA. His associates were just that: associates. He was the one who saw the pattern.

Hal, Tucson,

This question is for all readers: Why do we need to know which is the more intelligent race? Why is it a fact that needs to be accepted by any one? I,nor should you need to be validated by someone telling us that we are the most intelligent. The basics are that we all need the same things to thrive: Love, some sort of healthly nutrition, and a since of belonging. I desprately look forward to the day when "we can all just get along," and not need to settle the argument "Who's is bigger?"

Markisha , Baltimore,

I don´t know what is more chocking... Readind What Watson says or the comments! We're commiting the same mistakes of the past. Scientists have family, political views, ideals... they're not so objective as we think they are.

One thing we know for sure...Following what he describes as an intelligent person, exposing, spending private and public money in these kind of ideas isn't a very smart thing to do!

Ana, Coimbra, Portugal

Let us not forget that the first discovered human being is called "Lucy" from Africa & China more than 5000 years of civilization. Such comment by a Nobel laureate with no scientific basis is shameful & not regretable.

Richard Fairmont, Singapore, Singapore

One of the constants in the comments supporting Dr Watson's claims is this statement "why do black people under-achieve, then?"
Well, as far as I know, African peoples were doing pretty well, while the "intelligent" whites were not achieving much at all, until after the Middle Ages. Which ended around the same time Europeans "visit" Africa.
After their lengthy stay,suddenly the whites are more "intelligent"than Africans, Africa has become destroyed and desolate....yet you wonder why black's under-achieve.

Lets compare the intelligence of the Ancienct Egyptians to Europeans at the time, or the intelligence of splendid Ethiopian Empire, to the Europeans of the time. It's not really a fair comparison, is it.
Neither is Dr. Watsons "findings". Or your notion of blacks under achieving.
The point is, you can't smash someone's brain and then test their IQ., and report it as accurate findings.
Give blacks a couple of centuries more, let them regain some dignity in this world.

Mr Noor, London,

My spouse worked for Dr. Watson at Cold Spring Harbr in 1990 and indeed I myself was one of his attorneys back then. As excerpted, Dr. Watson's comments are offensive to any sensible person. However, as someone who knows him, to suggest that this brilliant man is rascist or has any belief that a particular race is inferior to another is simply unfair sensationalism. I believe he should be given a chance to explain himself and at the very minimum should have the full text of his comments printed so that we may judge for ourselves. Dr. Watson has always treasured the brilliant young minds he has worked with and made no differentiation based on race, ethnicity, sex or religion. He has dedicated his life to helping man through the field of genetics. Poorly chosen words by this elderly man should not define his place in history. He apologized and should be held accountable to explain himself. But let's reserve our disdain for true rascists. They are unfortunately in abundant supply.

Bill P., Phoenix, AZ

I have lived and worked,in the same profession, in many countries of the world. I am English by birth and I now reside, by choice, in South Africa. It is my observation that what I refer to as Amerpeans have common approaches to most of the problems that plaque their social and working environments. These environments are being imposed, for economic reasons, on underdeveloped or developing populations. These newcomers to Amerpean culture and its inherent problems,are just not equiped to respond to the new challenges, and try to either emulate their role model or workmate or respond in a way dictated by their familiar traditions. Of course both responses are inadequate . If this micro example is transferred to the whole indiginous population recently exposed to the new world, it is'nt too difficult for less enlightened Amerpeans to assume that lack of education equals stupidity.The problems faced by emmigrants carries similar judgement

David Lee, Durban, South Africa

Let's get one thing clear, there are many many people in this world smarter than I, and I do not limit that group to those who have a different enthnicity to me.
However, this is not the first time a scientist has been universally criticized for making what seem to be outlandish statements.
Yes we can be upset now, but ultimately history be this man's judge.

Yuri A Joker, Siberia,

What is dreadful is that many people, speacilly some important politicians, would agree with such an insult. What will confirm, after all, Deleuze's and Freud's predictions about the future of an illusion (I mean, peace, love and understanding). Human kind is codemned to autoritarism and self destruction.

BronhaMatinal, Brasília, Brazil

The saddest part about this whole Watson saga is that he is a nobel prize winner. But wait, didn't Kofi Annan win the nobel prize despite the fact that he let down Rwanda at its greatest moment of need and that some lives could have been saved had he done a good job? To the ordinary Rwandan, the prize to Annan was a token of thanks for a job not well done that resulted in the huge loss of lives. So we should take Watson's nobel recogniton with caution. And this is not to belittle his DNA achievements.
However what I find interesting is that as back up to his 'scientific' statement, he urges his audience to ask anyone that has worked with Black people for proof of his theory. So now, ladies and gentlemen we have a renowned scientist relying on public opinion for back up of his 'findings'. And we thought science was meant ot be empirical.

African Woman, Los Angeles, CA

Having a title and an honour gives us publicity sometimes but doesnt reduce or elevate us to being nothing else but mere mortals,which is us regardless of race,nation or creed.How we use our publicity is up to us and Dr Watson has choosen to express his views with his titles and honours and well of course his race and creed ,how we take it and whom he appeals to is a different thing .Am no doctor,neither am I a noble laurette but life has taught me that life gives a variety of people white and black,mention any character in humans and you will find it,white,black or brown if Dr Watson beleives that blacks are less intelligent,let him explain why there is a variance in intelligence in all races and why there is black,brown and white people in almost all fields while blacks and browns outwit the whites on most occasions.I hope by the decade he will will have found that gene then I will explain why am different

Maina, London, uk

Anyway now he's been hounded out we'll go back to the political correct chirade. Insanity rules for the time being in the supposed free west. Even the times reporting makes me laugh " professor embroiled in extardordinary row". What extraordinary about stating the blindingly obvious. If only you could censor reality so easily.

charles, sheffield,

It would be good to hear what he really has to say. Many people practice what is called quiet racism. The only reason they do not say what they are thinking is because of laws that exist.
The western world has contributed significantly to the socio economic state of numberous countries.
In reality we are all created equal, we have the same blood and the same brain.
Someone who has a white mother and a black father is less intelligent than someone whose parents are both white?
One could also argue that by making a public statementit will enhance the sale of his book.
Also remember that he lives in the USA. I need not say any more.

wayne, Brampton, canada/ontario

Dr Watson has the right to say what he thinks. Kris, London Greed caused the Great War and appeasment led to World War Two. Shutting down discussion on delicate a subject isn't helping amyone.

Steve , Arbroath, Scotland

The point of Dr. Watson below is simply not the issue: "the overwhelming desire of society today is to assume that equal powers of reason are a universal heritage of humanity. It may well be. But simply wanting this to be the case is not enough. This is not science. To question this is not to give in to racism."

The point is what scientific evidence he has to the contrary. That is real science. Equally applied to him, the belief that, it may not be, is also not enough.

So what we Africans also want is real science and not racist prejudice clothed as scientific claims; then when challenged to say as Dr. Watson asserts: "More importantly from my point of view, there is no scientific basis for such a belief."

But we already knew there is no such scientific basis.

Kwami Agbodza, London, UK

It is perhaps an irrelevant arguement practically, as obviously each individual's intelligence is shaped by their own specific DNA, as well as the environment in which they grow up. However, it is important for free speech. If he believes this to be true then he should be able to say so and provide evidence for his beliefs. If people oppose them, then, again, they should be free to respond to his opinions and offer alternatives to his evidence. If he is wrong, then there will be a flood of evidence in response, which will sweep aside his ill-founded notions and settle the issue more firmly in people's minds than before. If he is right, partly or wholly, then we gain this new-found knowledge that might have been suffocated because it was considered taboo to discuss it. The more we understand, the easier it will be to address related problems. The important thing is that each person is considered as an individual and all prejudices, positive and negative, are left behind.

Brendan, Oxford,

All I have to say is, the man that invented peanut butter is one of the smartest people that ever lived. Ask any five year old. Sorry I had to keep this ridiculous notion on a lighter note.

jesica, clifton , colorado

I would like to inform Dr. Watson that different situations contribute to the way someone perceives themselves and surrounding environment. The culture, opportunities, and challenges at play vary across nations and individuals whether black or white. Secondly, intelligence is a combination of the intelligence quotient and the emotional quotient which again varies across all individuals. Someone might have a very high IQ and at the same time a very low EQ; does that mean that they are less intelligent? I assure you Dr.Watson that when we start to examine the ethics and moral decay, you would think otherwise.
I want also to remind Dr. Watson of the old saying that what a person normally says, is what they exactly are. So for a respected scientist to make such baseless and insulting comments, is an indication that you should call it quits. Focus your energy on finding who you are and if you do, perhaps you will be in better position to understand others. My prayers are with you.

Albert Mukasa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

When we see seeminly enlightened scientist like James Watson voice these views, we remember only the limitations of humans. Watson, and anyone else that may choose to comment in this way, is just parading the fact that he is only a product of his upbringing. Even the fact that he has worked long and successfully on some of the greatest human accomplishments does not change or overshadow the reality that he still carries his own bagagge and prejudice. The key here is to understand that these prejudices are like glasses (sun glasses if you will) that limit and govern everything that the person is capable of percieving. So it is no surprise that Watson would feel this way or that most of us would agree with him on the deepest level. Look around you, is it not obvious that we have developed a pretty self-serving civilization. We wouldn't dare ask Watson why he feels that Asians score higher and seem much more clever than whites, because this might render our status more vulnurable.

Mark , Leawood, USA/ Kansas

Wasn't it only a few years ago that women uesd to be less intelligent than men? And I'm sure catholics less smart than protestants? And a lot of other convenient facts were proved as well.
An I.Q. test only shows how good you are at I.Q-tests, and if you've done them a few times, I'm sure you'll find that your scores get better, because you pick up the tricks as you go along and learn from your mistakes.

Gyri Nørbech, Oslo, Norway

I have worked with non-africans since I entered the workforce and I can assure you Dr. Watson is wrong. He is right in that people who "have to deal with blacks employees" believe they are less intelligent, and I've always noted with great interest how angry they become when confronted with the reality that this "fact" depends on which blacks and which non-blacks are competing.

Are there any black geneticists in the world? Do they share Dr. Watson's view.

Robert, Atlanta,

Don't you just love the comments from the pond life that are probably jumping up and down with glee thinking to themselves that what Mr Watson is saying is what we all know.

So what is intelligence is it the thing that led whites to drag the whole world into two world war, enslave half the world, steal other peoples countries.

Kris, London,

It is extremely sad and annoying that Watson finds pleasure in being provocative. Is that all what has been left after a milestone discovery ? It is worth mentioning that after the discovery was made back in the 60s Watson has not been coming forward with any more scientific breakthroughs of note. Intelligence tests have been controversial throughout the time. So Watson show me the gene of "intelligence" first, then try to interpret your findings, publish them and we can discuss it .... otherwise please shut up !

Juergen, Dundee, Scotland

Has it been proved that black people are better physically than whites? If not, it is still obviously true. The same could apply to other aspects of DNA as well, good and bad.

Chris, Lewisham, London

If this is scientific fact the I am not surprised and the PC brigade should live with it.

Richard Scammell, Bridgwater, UK.

Rubbish! I am ashamed of most most of the comments here. The Internet continues to be a vast pool of uneducated nitwits connected across the world, and as such, can only provide a further dumbing down, or leveling of the common person's education and experience. If you look at Professor Watson's actual quoted words, they are not as controversial as the press may construe them as. I don't believe he is recanting them - his publisher or reps are probably trying hard to minimize the impact to his career from their misrepresentation. I believe he is correct - and I base this belief first - in the fact that he speaks of a locality, not a race. Africa - not just the color of the skin. A continent that has for years shown us all an inability to understand, adapt to,
and deal with it. Just look at Mexico as an example - it has vast resources, and has gotten nowhere. What a joke! How about Equal Opportunity Laws applying to the content of basketball teams?

Rikmo, Klaipeda, Lithuania

This is a dangerous root to go down and start investigating.
It wont be long before a Nobel prize winner starts saying blacks are more likely than whites to be responsible for violent crime, rape,etc. It's a potential can of worms.

Pedro Tam, london, U.K.

All intelligence testing and honest observation confirms the opinion of Dr. Watson. It is foolish to allow political correctness to interfere with recognizing the truth. That being said, in this post-Hilterian era, it is also important not to allow such truths to deteriorate into genocide and evil incarnate.

Josh, New York, USA

Jos from london,

I understand what you saying, but he hasn't done any research on this particular subject.

catherine, chicago, Illinois

It's sad. A man who has been revered for the body of work he's accomplished, releasing a statement that he had to have known would've been inflammatory to any ethnic person. Aren't we as a people, past that yet?

Charles , Los Angeles,

let's cut to the thick of it.would anyone read or buy a book on dna studies? he had to get some attention. now he has it.think!money IS the root of all evil.

daniel francis, DeFuniak springs, USA, FLORIDA

Its all relative.

Fleur, Melbourne, Australia

I note that Professor Watson refers specifically to "Africans", not "black people" - could the wholesale plundering of the gene pool by the slave trade have had an adverse effect?

Paul, New Forest,

He claimed genes responsible for creating differences in human intelligence could be found within a decade.

Within a decade one side of the two sides posting on this site will be vindicated, the other ridiculed.

Assuming the science isn’t buried because it goes against P.C. Dogma ;>)

John, Stoke, Staffordshire

When science and scientists refere to intelligence which and what intelligence are they reffering to?

"Intelligence is specifc to one's environment and culture and 'reading/viewing' habits. Conventional (read 'American/western) definitions do not take this into account.

Also we already know that there is other 'intelligence' such as emotional intelligence.

So when intelligence is being referred to by scientists of such calibre, in the public sphere - they should specify and elaborate more on 'what' and 'which' intelliggece are they referring to.

Tarmati, Baroda, India

Henry Grant: African American male attending Colgate University


This is an extremely gross day when I can open the Times and see something so ridiculous being in a National newspaper. This should never have been posted! It is erroneous, because I perform much better in the classroom than some of my White counterparts.

Henry , Oakland, CA

While I do not agree or disagree with the Dr's view,I do not understand why people are immediately slamming him for his 'research' just because they find it racially discriminatory. I think it is quite true - as can be seen from our skin, eyes, hair colour that we do possess different genes so I think there is a possibility that his claims could be true.
Of course conditionings do matter and there are intelligent and stupid people from all races but those are just scientific data flaws. The thing that gets me is the fact that everybody is still so sensitive over this racial issue just shows that it is still an issue. If everybody is really comfortable with our differences, we will just accept it as a fact and not think that any thing that may sound defamatory as a real discriminatory attack.

P.S. I am neither white nor black.

Jos, London,

T, Houston - "How does the color of one's skin determine intelligence?" - Im not aware that anyone said skin colour had anything to do with it. Racial differences go way beyond skin colour.

"If we all adhere to these "scientific facts", then Asians are the most intelligent, not whites." - Well, yes that seems to be the case.

Bernard, London, UK

I am in a class of 24 where only two of us are Africans and I'm pleased to let James Watson know that we are always in the the top 5th percentile of our class in any class test or homework, so where lies his "scientific basis"?
I wish that it were possible to strip him of his Nobel Prize. It's high time we realize that knowledge is not necessarily wisdom.

Kwaku Atta, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

Scientists of all stripes have had a go at finding a genetic root cause for Black underperformance in the US and Africa. Substantially they have failed, probably because the causes of underperformance were more political, cultural, social, and economic than genetic.
Persistently, new studies crop up that appear to elucidate part of the mechanism, but a proportion of these are discredited, and the remainder seem to fall within the normal variances of large populations.
The real mistake is in the process of celebrity. Scientists are not supposed to be famous, their mostly harmless speculations are best restricted to forums that might challenge or inform them.
The 'expat' thing, for example, is apparently not racial at all, studies show that immigrant children persistently outperform native children, whether they be white in Africa or Black in the US.
I'm not sure that the fuss about these comments is especially productive, for all that they seem rather dubious.

Stuart Munro, Seoul, Korea

Will you be betting on the white man in a 100m final?

The PC squad do not tolerate recognition of any differences at all.
While this stops the spectre of racism, it also causes harm through ignoring medical and social differences.

T. Hammond, Liverpool, Lancs

As a Black female at university (Bristol to be precise), if I compare myself to other young black students and analyse our academic achievements side by side, obviously most from underperforming schools did worse than myself. In my own former school, all of the black students performed very well, in fact extremely well! In fact if I compare myself to anyone of any race, I did just as well than my middle class white counterpart studying beside me on the medicine course, our grades are the same, in fact mine are better, in terms of the amount of A levels I did. In a nutshell, I'm trying to say that its nurture, NOT NATURE! In similar social circumstances the performance or IQ etc is the same as any other ethnic group. It also has to be factored in that the Black community is a very complex one suffering from an array of social and economic issues. The lack of role moels to aspire to is just one of the problems in the community, this leads on to the overpopulation of negative influences

Amber, Bristol, England

Well... I believe the reason white score higher on "their" tests is because "they "write them,according to "them". I also believe he must have forgotten history lessons. "the pyramids,sphinx,hippocrates,bethoven math astonomy and many more.

Richard Moore, charleston, s.c

If James Watson's racial theory on the Black race having certain genes missing which 'inhibit intelligence' he should tll me how on earth I managed to gain 5A*'s and 7A's at GCSE's, 4 A's at A level and a place studying Law at Durham!
This is simply trying to justify racism with scientific 'fact', how very shameful. It depresses me that in 2007, there are still people out there determined to characterise a race already still struggling, into an eternity of being looked upon as inferior. I'd like to think i respect the idea of freedom of speech (being a law student and all), but people like him start to make me think otherwise...

Amber, Bristol, England

Dr Watson is a man of his time;his prejudices are the prejudices of his generation. It shows once again,that cultural groupthink usually trumps intelligence and education.
But it really is surprising and disappointing that such a brilliant man should succumb to it.What a pity.
It's like religion.It doesn't matter how irrational it is,if one is raised to believe absolute nonsense,then one will grow up believing absolute nonsense.

Colin Nicholas, Kelowna BC, Canada

i challenge Herr Watson to survive a night in the jungle. my ancestors have done this for centuries. needless to say, i doubt that he possesses that kind of intelligence.

my uncle is 80, has knowledge of at least 500 different kinds plants, herbs and roots and their medicinal qualities. he knows the proportion and quantities in which to combine them, all without of the benefits of written communication, 'scientific approach' or formal tuition. it will will be interesting to see who comes out tops in a fair IQ test. i already know which of them is a better human being.

ogee, london, uk

I think that he chose a bad forum to express his views on the matter and I don't know that there is evidence supporting them.

Still, we shouldn't forget that it is entirely possible that Watson is correct. If there are people that think this might be the case, they should research it. Unfortunately, no forum exists nowadays where you could openly discuss such notions as Watson's without getting death threats.

We love to coddle ourselves with the notion that everyone is the same, so we make it an issue of political correctness. Life isn't that easy. We are different and it is always better to know what those differences are, it is always better to know more than less.

Mike, Philadelphia,

To user "ana p. , philadelphia, usa", i applaud your comment. It stood out more than any other. I am of mixed decent (yellow, black and white!) and have read the book "DNA" by Watson. Given I took business focussed subjects at school, without doubt, it gave me a greater appreciation for science and genetics. Who better to learn from?! For example, it offers great insight to those who are considering IVF and has solidified my interests in genetics. He was only 1 scientist of at least 4 others who dont seem to share the same views, at least not at this point, on the subject of who shall be labled less intelligent! Until such time that he has evidence of his subject comments, it should not be taken too seriously.. although it certainly will by those in the community who have issues of integration.. are we looking at corporate apartheid? It seems this man in his 70s is looking to make a last ditched effort to rekindle the concept of white supremecy..only time will tell.Good luck eith that.

Tessa, Tokyo,

Why does the comparison come down between black/ white?
How do other races compare to each other.?
Why can't Mr. Watson, with all his grand scientific achievements present anything substantial to stake his claim?

In fact his comments make me ponder his own intelligence.

K. Rose, Kingston,

I dont know about a race as a whole being any more intelligent than any other. However, I do think white people are apt to produce more individuals at the genius level, aka Einstein, G.W. Von Leibniz, Leonardo Devinci, Mozart, Stephen Hawkings , than indians, orientals, africans, hispanics ect.

Augustus, Waco, Tx

The doctor had to raise such controversial topic to get his book popular and sold. There are many factors why people are intelligent and some more so than others. It does not have a thing to do with race.

On the subject of the Asians and Indians; their culture and what their priorities are in terms of educating their children and hard work.

It must be intelligence and more of it for blacks, as the Nigerians can pull off the biggest scams. Who usually take the fall? Caucasians. So who is more intelligent now.

kethel, Brooklyn, New York

Why is everybody denying something so obvious? Two large groups of people living isolated from one another for centuries. Nowadays the first group people are reading the news on their LCD screens, while the other people are killing and raping each other, living with .50 cents a day. The first group is organized in structures that provide security and opportunities for everyone; the second one is not organized. Maybe the only intelligent people are those who get on the boats in Senegal and bet on their 5% chance to make it alive to the white world. Of course black PhDs try to take an exception and make it a rule. It seems that all black people think that the world goes around them. Unlike the whites who are pouring billions into Africa and they all get stolen by the governments. Denying the truth is a big mistake black people make
Respect for those blacks who don’t care about color and focuse on what they do and how they do it, because that’s what really matters.

Yordan Yordanov, Boston, USA

Florence, Aberdeen,
I've met many black people over the years, and for a time was friends with one. As regards intelligence, they varied. My own friend was bright and university-educated.

I couldn't help noticing, however, that many displayed your own arrogant, chip-on-the-shoulder approach. You say you find whites 'ignorant and stupid'. Do you think perhaps this sort of attitude is the reason you say you complain of 'hatred' from white people? Just a thought.

J Davis, Sydney, Australia

I agree with dan, Bath, UK. These tests are culturally based. Necessity is the mother of invention and the African climate didn't require a lot of inventions thus there was less need for technological advancement.

The fact that the African continent is presently less developed is more as a result of vices (corruption, greed, selfishness etc) than anything else.

Oksy, Nigeria.

Nwankwo, Okechukwu, Lagos, Nigeria

Black people for the most part are not stimulated intellectually as young children -- many are in one parent households, or have very busy parents, more siblings to distract the parents' attention etc. Many white children are read to by parents daily, are in smaller two parent households, and are not allowed to view television in an unlimited manner. If it very important for blacks to read storybooks daily to their children and they will grow to love reading. Instead of constantly viewing television the reading will help them in every subject later in school -- and also on intelligence tests. I firmly believe black children are born just as intelligent as white children -- but they must be stimulated from the earliest age to achieve the most success later in life.

Celeste, New Orleans, Louisiana

It is well known that black African populations tend to have lower IQs than white European populations by one to two standard deviations (15 to 30 IQ points). The renowned IQ expert, Dr. Arthur Jensen of Berkeley, has shown that the most likely explanation for racial/ethnic IQ differences involves genetic differences. No doubt there are highly intelligent black persons, it is just that they are far fewer in proportion to their population numbers, similarly highly intelligent Jews and Chinese are far more frequent than is the case with gentile whites. Even the ultra-PC scientist Jared Diamond is on record (paper in Nature entitled "Jewish Lysosomes") as speculating that his own ethnic group, Ashkenazi Jews, are more intelligent due to genetic differences. Anyone who thinks that all races have same intelligence should take a look at academic achievement test scores. You will soon see that there are massive and ubiquitous racial differences in intelligence. It is time to accept reality.

Roger, Pittsburgh, PA USA

To: All Politically Correct people out there

It does not take science to figure out that all races "are not equal" in every possible way. Any "rational" person of ordinary intelligence can figure this out by watching the 100 meter dash, marathon, or basketball. So if it is true that blacks are "on average" more athletic than whites, BUT blacks and whites are equally intelligent "on average!!!", then politically correct people are inadvertently implying that blacks are superior to whites.

It is ok for races to have their own inherent strengths and weaknesses "on average!!!!!" Labeling a scientist as racist for pointing out what is true, but not politically correct, is wrong.

Brandon Greer, Springfield, Missouri, United States

It is a sad day when racism is still an issue in 2007. I wonder if studies were conducted in all lower socioeconomic classes of races would the results be the same? Dr. Watson is entitled to his opinion. I do applaud him for speaking his mind as an educated African American woman. It's too bad that he is hiding behind science. I have seen how Caucasian individuals will get promoted with less education versus an African American with the same credentials be told you need a degree. I've been the victim. So while I appreciate his honesty he should do gene studies on why African Americans are overlooked by employers when qualified. God help all racists.

Nikki, Pittsburgh, U.S.A.

How does the color of one's skin determine intelligence? If we all adhere to these "scientific facts", then Asians are the most intelligent, not whites. Racists beliefs and remarks are still just that, no matter who states it.

T, Houston,

i am familiar with some of the scientific literature on this. for scientifically minded people, there is a difference of around half a standard distribution in IQ test scores. This means that IN GENERAL, white people score very slightly higher, and black people very slightly lower. This does not mean that ALL white people are more intelligent at all. That is the first misconception here.

Secondly, it is feasible that there MAY be a difference, genetically. Races tend to have clusters of similar genetic traits and so there is no reason why intelligence may be one of them. As many people have rightly pointed out, asians and indians have higher IQ scores than white populations.

Which brings e on to my third point: saying there is a difference does NOT mean we should discriminate against other groups. quite the opposite

Anyway, IQ tests shoudl be taken with a pinch of salt, there are (as many have pointed out) culturally biased and not an obejectivty measure of cognitive ability at all

dan, Bath, UK

Black, white, pink, yellow - what's the difference? Reading all the 168 comments posted in response to this article, it seems a large percentage of the writers has no idea of spelling, grammar or rudimentary sentence construction (or can't be bothered to read through what they've written for mistakes before sending it).
Education - remember what that was once? Learning how to communicate without making the reader/listener have to wade through a load of incomprehensible English (or whatever other language), written or spoken.
Even intelligent people come across stupid if they are not taught the basics, regardless of what colour or race they may be.

Anne, Toulouse, France

I remember my genetics professor in university lecturing us about Watson & Cricks work regarding DNA,i had nothing but respect or these 2 men,after yesterdays news i have to think again.This further strengthens my theory that the white race possess an inherent gene that makes them biased towards black people,without even giving a thought.This i hope to prove like a true scientist soon.I have lived in Nigeria & now live in London;in both locations i have met both smart & foolish people (all races),i feel social class & environment affect our ability to learn, in poverty stricken regions the bright sparks in the hinter lands rarely get the oppurtunity to have a formal education.On the other hand we have to look more closley at Watsons statement & it's implications:it's simply a precursor towards psycologically enslaving the black race by making us feel inferior.think about it,respected white scientist labels us unintelligent,ignorant white employers believe scientist then no jobs for us

Fred Anderson, London, United Kingdom

Most 'westerners' in my circle of associates believe the same thing that Mr. Watson stated. He is absolutely correct - give the man an award for speaking the truth and not being afraid of the consequences. Most, if not all, 'westerners' believe this to be true - why can't it be spoken out loud? Where is this world headed if we shield the truth from humanity. Will future generations, once they have done away with the 'political correct' card think our generation was a bunch of lunatics for not knowing things right in front of our own faces day in and day out. Our future generations will think us mentally inept for not realizing evident facts. It is time to come out of the closet - speak the truth - the facts are astoundingly clear on this subject.

Betty , Mid-America, USA

Although controversial, this is not inconsistent with what Asian geneticist Dr Bruce Lahn found.

A statistical analysis of DNA patterns suggested that new mutations in each of the two brain-related genes had spread quickly through some human populations.Dr Lahn suggested that one mutation, which according to his estimates arose some 40,000 years ago, coincided with the first art found in caves.

The other mutation, present mostly in people from the Middle East and Europe, and estimated to be 5,800 years old, coincided with the "development of cities and written language.

Ben Richards, Auckland, New Zealand

James Watson role in the discovery of DNA is not established
( some say he was a lucky bystander). He used Rosalind Frank's work as a base for the discovery ( by his own admission and without her knowledge) denied her the recognition (Nobel Prizes cannot be atributed to more than 3 authors) and still badmouths her. So as for intelectual honesty he certainly deserves an F.

Shouldn't Watson whose son Rufus is schizophrenic accept that his contribution to his child's genetic make-up says something about himself? He should according to his own theories...(and not because he was 42 when the son was born). But the man is sometimes consistent with himself: he has already declared that his own child shouldn't have been born (and Rufus can read too). How very nice! One is only too glad he wasn't young enough to be present in Nazi Germany. The final solution for the " feeble and feeble Jews" would have met with his approval." since in any case "they shouldn't have been born".

ana p. , philadelphia, usa

I totally agree with Matthew Wong.
People in poverty, especially children, doesnt have the possibility to attend school because they are in an restricted position helping their family survive. And many people who get educated and have a chance to study abroad seldom return beacause of better opportunities. That can cause a brain drain in a selected country which means that the population lack educated people and get stuck in the same position as before.
Watsons statement is totally unintelligent because if we look at the situation in many poor countries and track down the causes of it(trade policies, structural adjustment programs etc), we can clearly see the involvment of "western" countries in the poorer countries development. I would rather say that its because of the "western" way of living, with the exploitation of other countries, why we experience the undeveloped countries unintelligent. Because there are plenty of intelligent black people in the world, more qualified than J.W

Robert, Stockholm, Sweden

When Watson says "African" what does he actually mean? Africa is a big place full of varied people with even more varied genes. It would be hard to perform an analysis that was representative of the entire populous of Africa.

On the other hand, if he is referring to the IQ test scores of African Americans v's other american sub-populations then we must be careful when we interpret the results:

1. African americans, more than often, come from deprived backgrounds and get very limited access to education. Since many of the psychometric tests analyse numeracy and literacy it is not unreasonable to expect African Americans to have lower test scores than Caucasian Americans.

2. What is even more interesting, from a genetics stand-point, is the assumption that African Americans are a uniform race. It must be noted that one maybe hard pressed to find an African American that lacked some European ancestry. Remember: people have been inter-breading for centuries now!!

Daniel, Reading, England

I totally agree with Matthew Wong.
People in poverty, especially children, doesnt have the possibility to attend school because they are in an restricted position helping their family survive. And many people who get educated and have a chance to study abroad seldom return beacause of better opportunities. That can cause a brain drain in a selected country which means that the population lack educated people and get stuck in the same position as before.
Watsons statement is totally unintelligent because if we look at the situation in many poor countries and track down the causes of it(trade policies, structural adjustment programs etc), we can clearly see the involvment of "western" countries in the poorer countries development. I would rather say that its because of the "western" way of living, with the exploitation of other countries, why we experience the undeveloped countries unintelligent. Because there are plenty of intelligent black people in the world, more qualified than J.W

Robert Hurtig, Stockholm, Sweden/V

I am a trained psychotherapist with a 3 Phds in Sociological, Psychological, and Ethnographic Studies. I have received numerous awards and accolades for my studies in ethnography including having been voted 'Most Important Man in Science' by the ARCGA , an association of scientists and the well-educated of which both I and Dr. Watson are members not once, but 7 times. In all my 48 years of studies in all the regions of the world I have found overwhelming evidence that Dr. Watsons views regarding the collective intelligence of the natives of the African continent and worldwide African diasporic commmunity to be COMPLETELY PREPOSTEROUS. I have collected numerous reports from studies laying concrete evidence that conclude African races throughout the world commonly report up to 10 TIMES THE INTELLIGENCE of other races. I know this man personally and am appalled that a person of such highly regarded scientific acclaim can be the bearer of such a hateful personal bias.

Dr. Wilford Robbins, New York,

Well what about Nelson Mandela, Koffi Annan, Martin Luther King, Bob Marley, Colin Powell, Muhamad Ali, Spike Lee, Wole Soyinka, Toni Morrison ... to name just a few ?
Are they really that stupid ?
The asumptions of this man make me think about Nazi germany when humans other than aryans, and especially jews, were considered untermenshen. Or apartheid era in South Africa when these kind of theories were used to justify mass segregation. it stinks. This guy should be prosecuted for inciting racial hatred. I hope someone will bring him to court.
I feel disgusted.

Michel Meyer, Paris, France

how dare this so-called respected DR. make this statement ,what about the Timbuktu ,Benjamin Banneker,land of kush ,he obvioulsy does not know the Great Contributions My people have contributed to this modern society ,I guess he believes Caucasions build the Pyramids to ,

giancarlo, boston, ma usa

I suspect that many of the scribes here are tickled pink (no pun) at this assertion by this mad scientist. These are the same people who could never admit to having an African great-grandmother (18x or whatever the generational number). Hmmm..

fexo, New York, New York

I'm so white you can see me from space, and I'm really thick.

Explain that, science boy!

Mikey, Bromley, Kent

If the findings from Mr Watson had been the otherway round and the result show that Black people have a higher IQ than Whites, would the result ever see the light of day.

I think not.

Black ProF, South London,

one university did research on the effects of hunger on intellegence. the result - starving people think only about food, but their IQ doesn't drop

Matthew Wong, La Jolla, USA/CA

maybe someone should do some research not on black people, but americans. they seem to be lacking a gene which gives us all the intelligence to know what is right in the world.

luke, perth, australia

It is quite possible that black people aren't as intelligent than us. But have you ever seen them dance ? Whenever I see their happy smiling faces with their big white teeth and hear their jovial singsong voices, I really wonder. OK, maybe statistically we are more intelligent, but they seem quite unconcerned about it.

Major Eric Coombes, Tunbridge Wells, England

Scientist or no scientist, he's a freaking good business man!

Alan, London,

What interests me most is what the net result of all this will be as shown on Dr. Watson's bank statements in let us say six months' time, in Euros please.

Renee Deutsch, the Hague, Netherlands

Did he actually use the word 'stupid', as implied by the headline?

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Sounds to me like he said Africans aren't at the same education level as ours (Americans & Britians).

Could have sworn there were blacks in both countries.

Media spin.

joe, harrisburg,

Science is science. If that is the truth it is about time we took this on board.

Dave Renegade, Staines, England

"my uncle is a psychiatric", Enough said. If he were a psychiatrist per chance, hed be able to exlain it to you.

Natur Al Silektion, Utopia, Queensland,

It's called freedom of speech. This case reminds me of the top psychologist who was investigated by police considering criminal charges against him because he said on radio that he could "cure" most homosexuality. These are highly controversial ideas but what if there is a kernel of truth in them? Can we really afford to dismiss such ideas out of hand?
Such knee-jerk politically corerct rections stifle debate. If he's so wrong can anybody say why?

Diarmuid Casey, London,

It is a great shame that you print commentary in the form of 'yet another vox-pop' from that well-known corrupt politician and enemy of free speech, Keith Vaz; a man who practically makes a profession of being an offended minority, a man who is hardly on the same intellectual plane as Dr Watson.

Scientific method requires that a hypothesis is constructed to explain empirical observation. That hypothesis is then tested. If the hypothesis is found wanting, another is created. Otherwise, further investigation to find causality and/or proof is conducted. Then the hypothesis becomes a theory.

You will note that in the rational scientific approach, there is no place for offence, passions, religion, political posturing or any of the many other enemies of free speech and the search for truth.

John Greenwood, Southampton, UK

I am a Black woman living in Scotland. I am educated to PhD level and have to deal with the ignorance and stupidity of White people (not all but far too many) every day. I score well above average in IQ tests and also scored on average higher than my White (and Asian) friends at university. It is often glaringly obvious in my day to day life people I meet consider themselves to be more intelligent that I am, until I open my mouth. Then comes the shock and disbelief that I am intelligent, follwed by insecurity as it dawns on them that I might be more intelligent than they are and then outright hatred because they simply can't cope with that realisation. I usually ignore people like Dr. Watson, whose intelligence is exceeded by their prejudices. The problem is that those incapable of critical thinking will accept what he says because of his status. Those kinds of people will always be left scratching their heads after an encounter with someone like me! Race cannot determine intelligence!

Florence, Aberdeen,

IQ tests are biased towards middle class, Western educated people. Give anyone black, white or whatever a couple of generations of white collar work, with good nutrition, good education, good health provision and a culture of aspirations and the resultant children will almost all score over the 100 on an IQ test.

Studies have also shown that most good managers tend to have an IQ of around 100 or 110. The high IQ people should be in science, research and coming up with ideas. Higher IQs will get bored with the day to day routine.

As a further education lecturer teaching business and computing I was constantly frustrated at a significant group of quiet, good, black students had low expectations and often found it harder to get their initial jobs in the industry. James Watson's rant will make it harder for them.

Paul Odtaa, Richmond, UK

James Watson, well-known boor and ultra-darwinist, has finally revealed himself fully. For anyone with delusions on the value of IQ testing please read "The Mismeasure of Man", Stephen J. Gould. For all other issues raised in this debate I would strongly recommend "Guns, Germs, and Steel" by Jared Diamond.

Padraig, Dublin, Ireland.

Im not a scientist, but science either aims at proving something that the scientist thinks can be proved or if not it will aim to invent a theory to explain a phenomenon. I think the latter is the case here Black people, much like poor people anywhere in the world are of course underprivileged and to some extent are less able to use all their talents and 'intelligence'. Look in India, extremely poor people seem debilitated, and they may even be. On the other hand the same race also has some of the brigthest scientists in the world. they are in fact more 'intelligent' when living in the USA because there they have the possibilities in the top universities to develop the faculties that Watson calls intelligence.

Then again there are several kinds of intelligence. The intelligence of nature for instance, or of intuition, or of sport. None is superior to the other.

Varun, Mumbai, India

I am sure that there are different types of intelligence, with different genes responsible for each strength in any given area. We may value oustanding mathematical ability over artistic, musical or athletic gifts, but who is to say which is better?

Rosemary, London,

Perhaps you are also aware of Religous Intelligent Theory (RIT) that Muslims are less intelligent than Christians. irrespective of skin color.

Another theory put forwards in the 1980´s called the Postal Code Theory (PCT) suggested that people with the "SW" postal code has the highest intelligence in the UK, although they also had the lowest libedo, resulting in higher house prices in the SW area due to continual influx of highly intelligent people.

The point I am making here is that all theories have their inherent value, but should not be used in indiscrimate generalisatins. Dr. Watson´s theory may prove to be correct but should not be taken out of context, especially when one considers the fact that most African´s are not actually aware of his theory and therefore can not be tested on it and therefore the theory can not actually be used to prove itself incorrect.

Fred Smith, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Watson is correct about the data and he recognizes that there are huge variations in intelligence within each racial group. Barack Obama is a great example of a brilliant Black man. And while its not PC to accept the fact, Blacks do not score well on IQ tests. Oriental Asians score higher than White people. How we handle this fact is where the debate starts.

Jay, NYC, USA

If the the goodly doctor was raised in subsaharan Africa in a small village of hunter gatherers and not given the opportunity for school until a later stage in life would he now be a nobel laureate. Jared Diamond in 'Guns Germs and Steel' highlights what have been startling differences in the development of manklind as a whole based on issues of opportunities, isolation, societal development etc. There are I believe differences but only so much as it relates to opportunities for advancement. By just advocoting that the whole race is underdeveloped seems more like a publicity stunt than informed opinion. Western 'white' children in recent years have fallen dramatically behind in development in technical areas when compared to their Asian counterparts are we now to say that this new generation is inferior genetically or is it that they just prefer video games to learning mathematics. Lets be careful what we are saying to our children as the world is already too prejudicial and dangerous

kevin, St Pete, Tampa. Fl

I am black Afrian and my IQ averages 136. I am entirely convinced that the environment plays a significant role in someone's intelligence or accepted measure of it, IQ. When I first came to this country for university six years ago my IQ averaged 110. Explain that. How can anyone account for that other than the environment and cultural bias of IQ tests.

Sonny Shook, Cambridge,

I am not going to agree or disagree with the doubtful conclusion Mr. (Dr.?) Watson has arrived at simply because I am ignorant of the intricacies and facts related to the research.
However, i will say one thing. If Dr. Watson's claims are true, it would be a result of CULTURAL conditioning rather than any intrinsic genetic condition.
Dr. Watson is obviously associating this alleged difference in "intelligence" to his genetic research however this is not the case.
It seems that his point of view is merely "in the eye of the beholder". Make an observation and then think up a reason why. It's like claiming that the world is flat because of what you observe from your point of view. This should be an argument related to social science, not genetics.

armchair activist , narita,

Like most peole reading this article I haven't seen the evidence to back Dr Watson's claims, but this also means I'm in no position to condemn them either.

I hope Dr Watson's comments bring more rational debate to the subject, rather than people treading on eggshells and taking his words out of context.

M Long, Cardiff,

Statistics show that black people in the UK are more likely to go to prison than to University. Says it all really.

Chris, Chester, England

It's funny that so many people claim speaking out against this man's statements is an attempt at being politically correct. In the science world, as any scientists knows you don't make a claim that you don't already have sufficient evidence to back up and you look at all the facts. He obviously didn't. All these scientists today with fancy equipment and high priced laboratories still can't rebuild a pyramid built without all of that.
I'd also point out that it's funny he mentions Black and White people with no mention of Asian, indigenous, or any other groups. This alone shows his way of thinking when it comes to Black people. He lets his negative views towards them influence his scientific work and therefore makes baseless claims, which haven't been proven even to the most minimal extent.

Someone needs to tell him to read up on who it was that brought Europe out of the Dark Ages.

Lemuel Yates, San Jose,

In my life, I've met many lucid, intelligent black people. I've also met many who were stupid. Come to think of it, I've met smart AND stupid white people in practically equal measure.

Science? No. Rather, Watson's comments say more about his own ignorance than they do about the intelligence of others. A person is a person - black, white, gay, straight, male, female, religious or atheist - and should be judged, solely, by who they are. Any other approach would have all the makings of an intellectual cow turd.

Stuart, Glasgow

Stuart Pyper, Glasgow,

What an incredible sign of an intellectually poor society that a scientist cannot express a thoughtful, and yes, a knowledgeable opinion.

To hear the masses attack something like this is depressing - if you read Sociology, Law or Anthropology at university all of these questions are discussed openly. Throw it out to the ignorant, Leftist mob and they squeal and churn out cliches fed to them by a politically correct media.

If people thought about these issues properly before toeing the line they'd realise that the 'environment' argument doesn't quite work - otherwise Indians and the Chinese would not have such a high average IQ. Indeed, there are studies made of Indian children brought up in shanty town poverty who demonstrate an incredible intelligence - and self-taught knowledge. Rather embarrassing considering British children brought up with opportunities on their door-step for a top class education who are only able to attack intelligent thought for not being with the grain.

Emily, London, UK

Oh, all of you hysterical people! Listen:

1. Watson is either right or wrong. Whether he is or not is a matter of fact, not ranting. Search the evidence then come back agreeing or disagreeing with him. Before you start screaming. Anyway, whatever the answer, it's pretty irrelevant to our day-to-day existance because:

2. Nowhere is Watson suggesting that anybody should discriminate on the basis of race. He advocates treatment of individuals on merit alone: can anyone seriously disagree with that idea?

3. Watson is naive if he thinks comments like this, however objective, are not going to be misinterpreted and exploited by people - of all political persuasions - who have an axe to grind.

4. The 50-odd hysterical comments I have just read and Mr Keith Vaz's knee-jerk reaction illustrate this perfectly.

5. No publicity is bad publicity. Watson is no fool.

Roddy Campbell, Christchurch, New Zealand

Define "intelligence." All the research is proving is that whites are better adapted to a eurocentric definition of intelligence. Develop an afrocentric IQ test and let's see who does better...

!, phoenix, AZ

With people like Dr. Watson " ... a world leader in research into cancer and genetics" no wonder there is yet to be a cure for cancer. Prejudice is alive and well because of people like Dr. Watson. Despite such inflammatory statement, I wonder why his talks and appearances are sold out.

Tunde, Portland, USA

A soldier whose business is murder as a fine art, a politician whose very life consists in compromises with his conscience, such may be excused if they set patriotic deception above common everyday decency. They merely accept the code of morality to which modern society still conforms. Not so the scientist. The very essence of his life is the service of truth. We all know scientists who in private life do not come up to the standard of truthfulness, but who, nevertheless, would not consciously falsify the results of their researches. It is bad enough if we have to put up with these, because they reveal a lack of strength of character that is liable to distort the results of their work. A person, however, who demeans himself to pose before a foreign government as an investigator and asks for assistance in his alleged researches in order to carry on, under this cloak, his political machinations, prostitutes science in an unpardonable way & orfeits the right to be classed as a scientist

Emery Uwimana, Silver Spring, MD

Putting aside the question of whether one race is more intelligent than another, we know one thing for certain; that Darwin's theory of natural selection began with the simple and singular observation that life, isolated as it was on the Galapagos Islands, evolved at a different form and pace than life at other parts of the world. We see this is animal species in Australia and anywhere else where isolation, climate, diet, etc., have had their effect.

If one accepts Darwin, then one must accept that humans are as subject to this evolutionary dynamic, as any other species on the planet.

What Watson's statement has done, IMO, is less about his being correct, but rather has dredged up the fear that the information, IF correct, would be used to justify more racism and discrimination.

A nearly identical debate is raging about DNA (note the irony) profiling, by insurance companies, government, and any other entity who could use the information in your DNA to limit or deny your rights.

Ross, Knoxville, TN

I really have no words. I'm just completely speachless. I feel so disgusted but would beg any of you with an intelligent mind to make yourselves heard within the circles where views like this are still prevalent. Its your views that really count, so make yourselves heard. We give far to much time to people who have no sense.

shabana saleem, Brussels,

Mr Watson is saying what we all know,Well said "SIR".

Edward, Bermondsey, london

I think environment and experience are a bigger facter in development of intelligence than purely genetic differences. Each generation earns from the previous generation and we move forward. Unfortunately, in Africa the collective are in a different state of development to the rest of the world this is why they appear to be less intelligent. Then again anyone had a peek at some council estates or trailer parks.

Kris, London,

Finally! A man with the confidence and dignity to speak the TRUTH

U. Ruckus, Woodcrest, Illinois

I think that everything is effected at a genetic level, intelligence included, that is how we are all different. Whites in Europe developed quickly due to the amount of wars fought. History proves that war fuels research and development to astronomical levels and then that research eventually leaks into other aspects of everyday life, this can show why Europe sped ahead, there was a drive and need to.

Problems in Africa today are due to the tribal mentality that still exists amongst those in charge. What is interesting is that Western educated Africans do extremely well compared to those that stay in Africa to study.

The South African government has just applied what is fundamentally racism, by making it law that 70% (or 80% can't remember) of all national sporting teams must be black. You may therefore not be allowed to choose the best players possible as you may go over your limit of white players... where is the report on this racism, where is the outrage or is that OK?

Graeme, Edinburgh,

I worked in a pub in Paris that had a bouncer from the Ivory coast. He put himself through the Sorbonne and got first in his class in law.
He acknowledges that most image consciouse law firms wont touch him with a barge pole..now thats stupid!!
How much of African evolution has been stunted by (ongoing) western meddling?

rob mchardy, paris, f

There are surprisingly few open-minded critics of Watson's statements in these comments..

It would be just as sad if we let our hopes of equality get in the way of the pursuit of factual knowledge as it would be if we let prejudices get in the way of hiring or other activities. "Quotas" are one of the most racist concepts ever conceived and should have never been taken seriously, let alone been adopted in so many places. I can't believe how much easier it is for someone of a minority group to get financial aid than someone of white, european descent, even when the white is much more qualitfied.

Race, skin color, whatever shouldn't matter when it comes to hiring someone, but if in the end, after firing all the employees who can't keep up, you're left with mostly one race of people, it is not politically incorrect to make observations about who succeeded more than who.

The whole issue with "created equally" is simply a statement about how we should first treat someone period.

Joshua, Lakeview, Illinois, USA

I'm astonished that some have accepted James Watson's claim without hesitation, although the scientist doesn't prove in any way the veracity of his repulsively racist claims. Sadly it seems that this eagerness to state that Watson is right, or at least may be right, results from the fact that the Nobel Prize laureate provides a pseudoscientific legitimacy for some very old prejudice. One person suggests that we should take Watson's claim seriously because he's received a Nobel Prize: does this mean that we should embrace enthusiastically every claim of a scientist who's received this prize, even if he's not providing any proof of his statements ?

A Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry, Fritz Haber (1868-1934), supervised personally the use of deadly gases during the First World War. Haber's example demonstrates that it would be very dangerous to be uncritical of a person only because he/she obtained a Nobel prize.

Joanna, Wroclaw, Poland

Firstly, his "theory" as stated, is not even based on ANY scientific study that he has partaken on, rather just his mere "OBSERVATION" of the way politics and affairs are handled in Africa. What happened to Globalization? Trade blocking? Apartheid? and many more ways that the western world corrupts that continent. Yet the guilt is too much to bear, so you resort "pseudo scientific bull"

Explain why students in the UK of Indian decent succeed at higher level academically than their white counterparts?

These tremendous advances that "white" people have made can only account for about 3,000 years. What? Was the African race more intelligent than others before that? Good Heavens No...God forbid. But what happens when you open up your history book and find out that Ethiopia, one of today's poorest nation has the oldest civilization. Am I supposed to believe that when Ethiopians and Eygptians ran their kingdoms 7000 years white people were inferior to them?

Ignorance is disease

Brian, New York , U.S

Would you all be in such uproar if he had said that the Chinese were smarter than Western Caucasians? Is political correctness hampering free thought to such a degree that non-PC ideas will be torn apart and disregarded without consideration. How can we grow as intellectually & continue forging ahead as a 'planet' if we can not be open to possibilities? This goes further than the arguement raging in this online discussion. Open-mindedness is exactly that...being open to all ideas and possibilities not just believing in what you want to hear and disregarding the rest.

Maria, Russia,

The fact that Watson thought he could say that and not risk a verbal and public mauling is probably the first piece of evidence against his statement...

Mishmashmosh, Sheffield,

I think this research could well be true. I have no reason to believe for or against it; it could just as easily be nonsense. But I think there is definitely something to be said for the correlation between various genes and various races. People seem to have the idea that were any of this proven, we'd suddenly be living in a segregated state; this would, or at least should, not be the case. If proved true, this would only show the average I.Q. of black people to be lower than that of other ethnicities, but all races include intelligent and not so intelligent people in their demographic. If someone was denied a job say, it would be because they were were not intelligent enough; they may be less intelligent due to their ethnicity, but they would not be directly denied the job because of it. It's wrong to discriminate based on ethnicity alone, but it's wrong to hide the truth for the sake of political correctness too.

Toby, Bournemouth, UK

I don't know why anyone would be upset with his opinions if they belirve in Evolution.His theory fits perfectly with the idea of evolution that some people are less evolved than others.If there is outrage, then you have to examine whether you really believe evolution to be true.

gabe, dublin, ireland

Scientific facts do not = Racism

Study after study have concluded the same results.
It's just not politically correct to point it out.

Just because someone does not like it,does not men it's not true.
Feelings are not facts! Racism is a prejudice feeling,that has nothing to do with facts.

When statistic are correlated,and the data is conclusive,then it's a fact.Sorry,that's life.Get over it.

Scott, Bloomington, Indiana

It's all well to say that there are IQ differences between races, but how exactly have they measured such a value? Is an IQ test devised by Western scientists, biased towards Western education (intentionally or simply due to the fact that the test devisors were educated in that way and so bring inherant bias) a test that will accurately and solely measure IQ? The literature dealing with this is far from that ideal, a lot of the tests were performed with the assumption of a natural order of intellegence between the races, with whites/far eastern people being top, prior to actually doing the tests.

One further flaw in the tests is that they ignore differences in opportunity. A lot of black people in Africa, especially in rural areas, simply do not get the chance for the same quantity and quality of schooling as others do. By ignoring cultural obstacles to learning, the IQ tests are pretty insubstantial on the whole...

Edd Almond, London, UK

Once the philosopher Aristotle has said "to say what is is, and what is not is not, is true ...". So I would bet my money on Watson who has so much experience and knowledge in his area of expertise, which he has already been recognised for.

I'm no racist. I have many black friends. But tell me those of you who have been to University in the UK - how many of you have been taught by black lecturers ? For me it was none. It's not because the UK is racist; we know that London for example is very cosmopolitan, and there are many non-English, non-white individuals who lead research etc. over there. In fact Watson just confirmed something that I always thought was the case.

He is also right about their high lebidoe.

But like one of the commenters said, black people are good in sport - there is ample proof for this too, and there are many sports where the UK is represented by them.

So let the facts and figures speak for themselves, and try not to be 'politically correct' for once

CSRG, Aveiro, Portugal

Point 1) This isn't offensive, it is merely pointing out differences in the two races. I'm sure nobody would argue the fact that on the balance Black people are more athletic than other races.

Point 2) Academics cannot even agree on a consistent definition of intelligence. Im not sure what his evidence is based on but intelligence is more than just your score on an IQ test. Some suggest it is related to your ability to concentrate or multi task.

Liam, Woking,

Whether "black" people are of more, less or the same average "intelligence" as "white" people (whatever these definitions mean) is irrelevant here. Dr Watson should have been aware that his remarks would be controversial, and should not have made them, however true he believes them to be. Too many in the West and, indeed, in Africa itself have a vested interest in the current state of Africa for such remarks to go unchallenged.

Eric Murray, Auckland,

Ben from Nantes is clearly the smartest person in this forum.
It amuses me how people paint themselves into ideological corners. For example to be a dinkum modern liberal you've got
be atheist (but respect 'indigenous spirituality') and have absolute
faith that all races have identical mental propensities. The only
reason to expect the latter to be true would be if a creator made it
so. The Cartesian/Star Trek rationale of human rights, (that our
worth derives from intelligence) remains a sad distraction.
We have human rights because we are human. The Flynn effect
says we are smarter than our parents but dumber than our children. Are we more human than our parents?
Neanderthals had 40% bigger brains than all of us.
In any case, differences between populations should not affect
our dealings with individuals, those differences will decrease
with homogenisation of habitat and culture and with interbreeding. Till then there is no point being dishonest about
possible factors in disparity.

Hamish, Gore, New Zealand

First of all, using wikipedia as evidence is ridiculous; but seeing as you did, you should have also seen that it is not a difference in intelligence, but a difference in environment.
Additionally, this statement is offending to all black's and blatantly resembles the racist arguments from prior generations claiming that particular ethnic groups were less intelligent than others.

, ,

Why are we all so caught up in this statement, surely if we are not racist then we will employ and promote people based on their abilities. I have never had a promotion based on an IQ test and see no reason why it should be otherwise. Every single person has strong points and weak points and a good manager will help to get the best out of each individual.

I would also like to add that there is no such thing a positive discrimination and anything that does not produce a level playing field is wrong so please look at each person as a human being and not white,black or brown.

Joe Kellie, Edinburgh, Scotland

Dr. Jared Diamond, an actual evolutionary biologist, unlike Watson, offers a far more plausible explanation for the disparities in technological advancement among races, and contrary to the opinions of Watson's fellow fans/eugenicists, genetics have little to nothing to do with it. Jared's book "Guns Germs and Steel" suggests that these disparities can be attributed to three things, climate (preferrably not sub tropic where the warmth breads disease), proximity to domesticable farm animals (for food and farming), and access to crops like rice and wheat that could be stored for long periods of time and used to feed large populations. Most, if not all, of the fewer than 20 types of domesticable farm animals, as well as rice/ wheat crops are indiginous to and located on the same long-lat plane as what we now know as Europe/ Asia-Middle East. Agriculture being the basis of civilization as we know it, populations resding along that plane had an advantage over those that did not.

liya, Norfolk, VA, USA

What Dr. Watson said does not suggest that all black people are less intelligent, but more of them are less intelligent, at least in terms of what modern society values and pays for. I would assume the reason he made his statement has to do with the hope that looking at the issues facing black people, particularly in Africa, with more honesty, solutions can be found to help them and society in general.

Frankly I hope that we are finally leaving the PC era, in which everyone is equally smart, strong, reliable, honest, etc. School systems based on this, in which material is dumbed down so everyone "passes", degrade the society that supports them. We can't afford to be this nice. The world is very competitive and countries that continue on the PC course will find themselves in dire circumstances.

Thank you Doctor, for having the courage to prick the PC bubble.

Greg, Toronto, Canada

The politically correct individuals who have these hysterical knee-jerk reactions when an eminent individual comes along and presents evidence that, on average, the races differ in cognitive abilty, and that this is genetically determined, are essentially saying the following:

"I am not going to believe this simply because it offends me, as I am a narrowminded pansy who is incapable of seeing things objectively, and I will stomp my feet and shout at the top of my lungs when these scientists present evidence for their viewpoints, in an effort to silence them, just as the Catholic Church tried to suppress the Copernican Model. Really, I don't care about the truth, rather, I care about forcing my socio-political agenda on everyone else by silencing these politically incorrect people."

That is my translation of what these pathetic people say via their words and deeds. There are people in every race who need to GROW Up.

Matt, Alexandria, Virginia

Alexander Mils, a black man, invented the elevator,
Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gearshift, Joseph Gambol, also black, invented the Super Charge System for Internal Combustion Engines, Garrett A. Morgan, a black man, invented the traffic signals. Albert R. Robinson.(black) the electric trolley inventor effected the development of the rapid transit system.
Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper.
John Love invented the pencil sharpener,
William Purveys (black) invented the fountain pen, and Lee Barrage (black) invented.
I rest my case. Sat sapienti - latin for enough for a wise man!

Jide Wura, essex,

I am horrified by this misuse of science. Differences are minimal to an extent and has anyone taken into account varying cultural and environmental influences? From what I see reported it appears not. How can one generalize when each human being is vastly different from the next, irrespective of race. This race division, I believe, has its origins in the Victorian period and I'd rather hoped we had moved on from that particular period of subjective "science". The respect for for early pioneers of science makes me want to cry when I see stories of this kind! Brain size can indicate an extraordinary variety of influences and to base an entire races intellect on such inadequate evidence is worrying to say the least. And for the record I am of white extraction for whatever that is worth! I myself have recently worked on a "race anomaly" whereby the human being excavated should have been much shorter (by 20-- 30-cm) anyone know why? I doubt it! Genetics is just not that straightforward.

Nick, Bristol, Somerset

Just to keep IQ tests in proportion, it must be worth noting that James Watson freely acknowledges that his own IQ, as assessed by IQ tests, has never been particularly outstanding, and he attributes his scientific success chiefly to the intensity of his own curiosity. I have never seen Watson's IQ given as exceeding 123, and the usual figure given is 115, which is about the average for a college student in the USA. For an example, copy and paste this link into Google: http://www.audiblox2000.com/learning_disabilities/multiple.htm. Here is an extract from that web page: "Consider, for example, that James Watson, the discoverer of DNA, has an IQ of about 115 — about the IQ of most college students."
Watson often refers to his own modest IQ: see for instance: http://www.watsoncrombie.com/watson_and_crick_dna-3.html. Copy the link and paste it into Google if you want to read the article.

Tim Comte, London,

Watson is no diplomat, and has done himself no favours. And I'm not saying that Watson is correct.

But if he were correct, would would he be allowed to say it?

Because what he says is offensive, does it mean that it is untrue?

And why is this offensive - there are millions of black people who are incredibly intelligent and well educated. Does that mean that a small number of IQ points at the average detracts from their achievements?

Science is moving on and people who deny the facts will be in trouble, especially if they nail their flag to an indefensible argument.

Gerard, London, UK

Were the intellegence tests designed by and around western cultures?

If this is the case then doesn't it also stand that the western world / races do poorly in tests designed for and around Africans,or Asians, Laplanders?

Imho, there is nothing wrong in investigating the differences between human populations - but at the very least the testing should be fair and accurate.

James, melbourne, Australia

Look at the facts.

According to AVERT, an international AIDS charity stupidity is quite wide spread and seems to start at teh top:

"The slow provision of treatment has been linked to unconventional views about HIV and AIDS amongst the government. Alongside President Mbeki’s questioning of whether HIV really causes AIDS, his health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has caused controversy by promoting nutrition rather than antiretroviral drugs as a means of treating HIV. These views have caused widespread criticism, both within South Africa and amongst the international community.

When a health minister of a supposed sophisticated African country, someone with an education and access to modern communication recommends vegetables to combat AIDS, which part of that is not stupid?

Jack Bloxam, Edinburgh,

I do not believe there is one globally agreed upon definition of intelligence, human, artificial or otherwise. I do not belive the world is flat or the center of the universe. As did many of the most brilliant minds of their time. I can only imagine how ignorant we will all appear to have been six or seven hundred years from now. "No such thing as global warming...what the hell were they thinking?"

J O McField, Kansas City,MO

James O. McField, Kansas City,MO, USA

I was astounded at the amount of commentary that suggested the Doctor wouldnt have said it without evidence/reason/proof. People SAY whatever they want to and find a lot of research to support their agenda. Have people forgotten on whose intelligence all mathematics, amazing architecture, and all of civilization has come from. Ancient Kemit is something worth study and we have YET to figure out the secrets of the Egyptians.. ( africans).
This is biased racism and its its ignorance at its highest level. And since it seems to matter.. I am a white chic. i just happen to know where we all come from.

Amanda, New Jersey/Texas, USA

The people promoting his tour need to take a long, hard look at themselves. White people have always seen themselves as superior and whereever they are they always want to introduce classes with themselves enjoying advantages. It has always been like this and they even concoct pre-determined research to validate their unproportionate advantages. It sickens me1

Gilbert, Swindon, UK

No wonder Rosalind Franklin never got a Noble Prize for her DNA data.

Hawkins, Dorset, IK

I know for a fact, ahem, that hats sold in shops in the UK or US are a tad smaller than Beijing, China. But hey, what does high/low intelligence matter? as long as you are agressive and have bigger guns, you can grab the whole world, like the europeans did, right? Intelligence is overrated.

lee, Beijing, China

When the human race began, who ran the world ? Where did life for the human begin ? Was is not Africa ? Over time, White people becauce of their movement to more difficult and testing climates, have had to evolve more. Dr Watson claim, even though i havent read it, seems silly. If you put a white person in a daily situation that many black from the hood live, would they be able to survive - CHANGING PLACES AKA EDDIE MURPHY. Does it not take brain power to dodge and weave and hustle ??? . I am 40 years old and have met and worked with many different types of people in many different backgrounds and i havent found white people to be more intelligent than blacks. Money is the key ....

Sebastian Manso, London, England

"And one more thing - there is only one human race. So any comments pointing to "different races", even ones defending black people, are in fact racist.
Different races can't mix - it would mean black people wouldn't be able to have children with white people, in a similar way as e.g. elefants. The african elefant and the indian elefant can't have offspring together. "

You are talking about species, not races. You must learn the difference

Henrik, Stockholm,

Were the individuals in the study groups breastfed ? This has been proven to influence intelligence. He absolutely needs to control for these variables. Sadly, I am convinced that he was not.

Do we really need to offend, yet again, our fellow global inhabitants?

LeCoyte, Frankfurt,

"Environmental factors play a role in determining IQ. Proper childhood nutrition appears critical for cognitive development; malnutrition can lower IQ. Other research indicates environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to toxins, duration of breastfeeding, and micronutrient deficiency can affect IQ.

It is well known that it is possible to increase one's IQ score by training, for example by regularly playing puzzle games, or strategy games like Chess. Musical training in childhood also increases IQ.[19] Recent studies have shown that training in using one's working memory may increase IQ."

Eleonora, Rosario , Argentina

while i don't agree with mr. watson, consider this: is it really relevant to an intelligent person - black or white - what his people's average IQ is?
on a personal level, all that matters is that someone can find a mating partner who matches his own intelligence. if your people in general is 'dumb', this only means that there are less elligible sexual mates. plus, the smart would feel even smarter compared to the rest.
as far as overall society is concerned, the problem of stupidity will take care of itself through the mechanism of evolution. the dumb will die out, as unfeeling as this may sound.
IQ tests over the years show that there is a general upward trend among all races.
ps. while it is agreed that a smart society does better than a stupid one, imagine a world where everybody is so intelligent
that he can build his own A-bomb. would this be the end of evolution, the end of the world?
my point is: intelligence per se is not merely positive.

werner, munich, germany

The evidence that there are evolutionary differences in intelligence between the races has been pilling up for years, since Jenson and Eysenck and more recently very comprehensive research by prof Lynn at the University of Ulster. It appears that oriental people have an average IQ of 105, whites 100, asians 90-100 and sub saharan africans about 80. He also found, incidentially, that men are on average slightly more intelligent than women. The problem is that anyone who suggests any of the above evidence based research will be labelled a racist and roundly abused and vilified. I noticed that James Watson was banned from talking at The Science Museum on Friday, a depressingly predictible response. Unfortunately, this is the truth that dare not speak it's name. There are none so deaf as those who don't want to hear.

Sean Mooney, Bishop's Stortford, HERTFORDSHIRE

His comments are simply foolish,biased,and stem from an oversized ego!Simply read the article stated above on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_immigration_to_the_United_States
clearly states that Africans,given the opportunity can surpass even Caucasian Students.

I know of a school in Kenya(Alliance High School) that manages to send at least 10 kids to the IVY league each year.One kid got admitted to 7 big US universities.

I attended Loughborough University for a degree in Systems Engineering,I used to get 98 in Physics,98 in Maths and the supposedly "intelligent kids" would barely scrape a passmark of 40 sometimes.This,at the UK's 6th best university hmm,food for thought!
My friend (black) got a 1st in Law from Oxford,and a a masters in Law with a distinction,her sister got a 1st from Royal Holloway and the brother is a brainbox in his own right!!!

Allan Bahati, Reading, Berkshire

Richard Lynn, Frank Salter, Jensen and Rushton, Michael Levin and an ever increasing number of top scientists have done the research and published the results on race an IQ. Watson is just the latest to agree.

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, October 16, 2007 writes that in 2004 (the most recent year for which stats are available) 2,100 doctorates were awarded by universities in the United States in the fields of 40 different scientific disciplines. Not one doctorate went to an African-American.

We need to talk about this subject for another critically important reason: Dysgenics. This is the process whereby the most intelligent in society are having few or no children and the least intelligent are doing most of the breeding. This Western disease will slowly cripple us.

Intelligence = productivity = a strong economy. Most criminals come from the low IQ sector of the population. In short you could say that C=IQ² where 'C' is civilisation.

Eugene, Chester, England

Intelligence is many faceted, music, among other things is also part of it. Black people are very good at making nice music that you can't help to follow along.

lee, Beijing, China

If the science proves Dr Watson right, and he can be prosecuted for telling that truth in public, what have we become?

Paul Francis, Brisbane, Australia

Europeans do better because over the generations their genes were mixed up with other racial groups particularly the Asiatics and Berbers. Africans were isolated and did not have such an opportunity. Race mixture helped Europe advance.

George Chell, Arlington, USA

It's clear that Dr. Watson is suffering from senile dementia.

Let us hope that researchers in geriatric medicine can help others to avoid this tragic affliction.

-jcr

John C. Randolph, Cupertino, California, USA

Perform this thought experiment:

If it actually was proved, beyond doubt, that ethnic Africans did have, on average, a lower intelligence than other races, would the 'politically correct' elite accept this?

Obviously not. In fact, we would get exactly the same responses as are exhibited on this page. The messenger would be demonised.

Political correctness, liberalism, egalitarianism, cultural Marxism (Steven Jones is a white Marxist), cannot change facts. They cannot even accept facts.

Ironically, as Zizek argues, 'multiculturalism' actually is a false ideology that maintains the power of the white upper-middle classes. Judging others is empowerment.

Henri Bergson, London, UK

And one more thing - there is only one human race. So any comments pointing to "different races", even ones defending black people, are in fact racist.
Different races can't mix - it would mean black people wouldn't be able to have children with white people, in a similar way as e.g. elefants. The african elefant and the indian elefant can't have offspring together.
So it is actually the racism which introduced the category of race as far as people are concerned. Race is the product of racism, not the other way around. So when you differentiate between black and white people, it refers to the phenotype, or the skin colour, to put it more simply. Anyone using the term "black race" or "white race" is, be it unwillingly, contributing to the reproduction of racism. So please be mindful of that.

Marek, Hamburg, Germany

we will never find out about this reserch and the results of such testings cause they'l be branded as racist from the beginning and will never be published - so what are we argue about without knowing the facts?

victoria smirnoff, london, UK

Good thing he did not try and compare the whites and the asians because every one knows the asians are super smart...the whites do not stand a chance.

Ming Pi, London, England

Surely he should realise that using science and reason to undermine one of the tenants of political correctness is a crime. He should have claimed - without the slightest evidence - that men and women are identical in every respect or that blacks are in fact far cleverer than whites. Had he do so, he would have been lauded as an enlightened liberal thinker. As it is, were it not for his age, the minions of political correctness would probably try and haul him through the courts. I hate this country.

James Smith, Hampshire,

Just another case of the media looking for a catchy headline

jerym eedy, caerphilly, uk

Ask Mr Watson what his DNA research has thought him about the intelligence of the British person at the time of Roman occupation when the Romans saw the British as wild people - of lower intelligence, or how his probable friend and even more eminent scientist - Engel saw jews and all those people he treated with so much 'superior intellect'. Watson is suspected to be today's Engel. He should not be allowed into the UK. We did not fight Engel and Hitler only to have Watson.
Gordon Brown - do not let Watson in here - if you know your job.

Chuba Obi, London, UK

He shouldn't say remarks like this because it offends merely all black people! such racism & prejudice should just not be said. This is the kind of things that drives racism apart & encourages racism. sure were all different in many ways, & in intelligence etc.

but you wanna say that one race is intelligent than that other. & not all black people are tall, im black & im 5tf 7 i can still play basketball

its pathetic how some people view this situation

tatenda, london, UK

Unfortunately the evidence supports his position however politically incorrect it seems.

Look he's not saying all black people are less intelligent than all white people or any other race, he's saying there are different IQ AVERAGES between the races.

There have been 1,000's upon 1,000's of studies done and they all point towards the same conclusions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_and_intelligence

When they were all correlated they gave these averages :-

East Asians 105
Whites 100
Blacks in America 85
Africans 70
Australian Aboriginals 62

Race differences in brain size have been examined in a number of studies. East Asians have an average cranial capacity of 1,364 cm3, Whites 1,347 cm3 and Blacks 1,267 cm3.

I'm black, I don't like to know this but the evidence is almost incontravertable. No point everyone putting their heads in the sand over it.

In any case my compassion & love for other humans or animals is not based on their overall intelligence!

Ben, Nantes,

“It is sad to see a scientist of such achievement making such baseless, unscientific and extremely offensive comments.

keith vaz

probleem is he has based it on his scientific findings so dont know what keith vaz is talking about. if the theory is to be debunked then its better that the rest of the scientific community do it and not a labour mp with no knowledge of science

mike, Cwmbran, wales

White people are not as fast on average as black people. Not a controversial statement.

Now replace 'fast' with 'intelligent' then swap the places of black and white. Suddenly it's a controversial statement.

We have all evolved differently, hence the differences in skin colours. Other things besides skin pigment have evolved differently also, as our ancesors adapted to their environment to survive. Some tribes are known for speed, yet others are slower but known for endurance, with others still better at climbing. Some are short, others tall. Some gain and store weight faster than others. Even hearing, eye sight and the likelihood of certain diseases vary. Why would mental capacity be any different? All of this is of course on average and therefore discrimination is wrong, but so is refusing to listen to non-PC ideas. We evolved based on our locales, and different strengths were needed in different places, just like animals.

Of course, how do you define intelligence?

David, UK,

he's not being racist...he's just publishing his empirical observations...i'm sure if everyone was honest and didn't have all this political correctness rubbish in them, a lot of people would agree with him

Arnold Rimmer, London,

Oooh it is just fascinating to watch the media manipulate this situation to cause a stir. Can't anyone else see through it? If the headline would have been 'Scientific research shows variations in intelligence from Race to Race' instead of the laughable 'Black people 'less intelligent'', and the content of the article was more factual and there was less comment on the 'outrage' people would have read it totall differently. If there was a picture of him smiling, instead of looking like a scary german dictator... again, same thing. Has anyone else actually heard Dr Watson speak? He is a very respectful and noble person and no where in his speach did he say 'black people are less intelligent so they must be treated differently'... or... 'black people are all stupid!' No way! He was just telling everyone what his research has shown, not what he's just decided to think up one morning! It's the people that dont get this whole thing that are stupid, black or white!

Alu, Shoreditch,

It's absolutely cowardly and shameful to hear that the whites on this board believe in Watson's unscientific theory.

If Watson is correct, then why do African immigrants to the United States have an overall higher leveldof educational attainment than Asian immigrants? Read this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_immigration_to_the_United_States

This is unbelievably sad, and atatvistic if you ask me. The same arguments posited by Watson were used to characterize Slavs, Irish, Asians, Italians, etcetera. Why do you believe these theories? It is a fact that intellectual development is correlated with wealth, thus how can you make comparisons between ethnic groups with varied environments?

Yes, there are differences in IQ between ethnic groups, but is it ONLY a product of genetics or environment, because studies in the United States have proved otherwise.

scalito, Houston, TX

How ridiculous! We only have to look at the record of black Africans in managing their own affairs, and the even more splendid accomplishments of Liberia and Ethiopia which were never burdened by colonisation, to see what shining examples of thrift, ingenuity, co-operativeness and civilisation Africa furnishes to poor backward whites, Jews and orientals.

Watson is just jealous.

David L Nilsson, London, Occupied England, PC World

Even within the narrow remit of IQ tests, what evidence is there that intelligence lends itself to testing? How do we know that the higher score doesn't simply reflect higher concentration, or in other words higher motivation on the part of the respondent?

Pierre Bernardi, Paris, France

"white people always seem to the persons espouing these stories, we never hear eminent black scholar/ scientist making prouncements on biological race differences between white's and blacks"
The whole point of the issue is contained within this comment. There are too few eminent black scholars. This is either because there may be some truth in Watson's argument (as unpalatable as many people obviously find this) or because black people are not able to avail themselves of the opportunities for social reasons.
In any event it's just not good enough to attack Watson without a consideration of any evidence that's available as Vaz has done. This reaction adds nothing to the debate and makes the opposing point of view appear vacuous.
The fact that Watson is one of the most celebrated scientists in history does not mean that his every utterance should be treated with reverance but it surely does mean that if you're going to argue against him you'd better have some evidence to support you.

Rob, Durham,

What a recasist view! black people are excatly as white as the white people!

Adriano, Dubai, UAE

Mr Watson's comments are nothing short of ridiculous. As a black A level student i find his remarks highly offensive. It depicts a lack of intelligence to depict such a fixed view on what exactly intelligence is. There are things that the aboriginees have far superior knowledge on compared to us in the west. It is also important to point out that in poorer areas of similar coloured and white population the "intelligence" levels are near identical. Watson has fabricated research to support a silly arguement. Shame on such a groundbreaking scientist for making those remarks. It is always worrying to younger coloured people, if people like watson still exist at the summit of various positions of power, what is the chance that we recieve equal treatment?

Victor, SE, London, UK

I am curious to see how he came up with this conclusion. How was the research conducted. What population he used. How long was this research conducted, and what type of assessment was used to measure the IQ. I mean we are talking about a scientist. It's true he came up with a great theory almost 40 years ago. That doesn't make him a great scientist forever.

richard, long beach, CA

In any case, what is intelligence? If my intelligence was to be tested by the natives living in the Amazon, I'm sure I would seriously fail. IQ, we all know is culturally biased.

MINTEDkNIGHT23, London,

Yes, he's a scientist. No, he's got no proof - and that's a fact!

A good way to get free publicity and sensationalise his book tour.

Anyone that believes that because this guy is a scientist is telling the truth is very much "less intelligent"!

Read my words - no scientific proof!

Lynn, London, UK

Its funny there are still these People who apparantly more intelligent than me. As A Working class Black descendant of Slaves who can speak 6 languages fluently, educated in the English comprehensive system of the inner city. The son of a Hospital Porter and and a House Wife. 3 Degrees and counting.
Yes I am "Stupid" I guess I just slipped through the system though, I am nothing. And i guess my 5 siblings are stupid too, most who actually do make me look rather "Stupid".
You can carry on with your pointless Eurocentric views, It obviously makes you feel goodabout yourself. The REAL "Stupid" ones are exposing themselves with their words here.

Chris , London, UK

West Africans have more genetic diversity than the rest of humanity put together, so we should be sceptical of any claim that "Africans are like".

Malcol,m McLean, Bradford, UK

So where does one start? Firstly, because he is a Nobel Prize winning Scientist does not make him an evolutionary biologist. Secondly, just because he is a scientist does not mean he has done any 'research' on what he speaks about. I'm a Cambridge trained scientist and am black but I don't go about making academic proclamations on astrophysics or any academic field I have not studied. The sad thing is the sheer number of people that are saying 'what if he is right?'. This just highlights the prejudices that are still present within supposed intellectual circles.
His statements on Western policy in Africa shows a distinct lack of understanding of world politics and the influence of globalisation, education and capitalism. It's a sad day when we lose one of our most influential scientists and gain an influential bigot instead.

Alex, Cambridge, UK

In 2005, Arthur Toga and Paul Thompson published what is probably the best review of genetics, brain structure, and intelligence.

The review finds that although intelligence is notoriously difficult to define, it can, for the most part, be reduced to the 'g factor', which correlates well with most measures of different intelligences. The g-factor predicts scholastic achievement, employment, income, and even life-expectancy.

The g-factor is extremely heritable. Identical twins raised apart correlate in the region of 0.72 (i.e. very high) for intelligence. As we grow older, we are more likely to show the inherited effects of intelligence - a strict environmental interpretation would predict the opposite.

We know from evolutionary biology that humans living in different parts of the world have different tolerances for alcohol, different resistances to diseases, different body shapes and forms. Why should it be the case that intellectual capacities should evolve identically?

John Connolly, New York , USA

The question of why blacks have generally "underachieved" the world over cannot be answered without all possibilities being considered - this is an area of the debate that has been taboo for too long, and I'm glad Dr Watson has been bold enough to put his theory forward.

And as for Keith Vaz criticising Dr Watson for being 'unscientific', what on Earth would Vaz know - does he have a PhD in genetics he's not telling us about?

Peter, Hartlepool, UK

"The 79-year-old geneticist"

Don't brain cells deteroriate at old age?

Mohammed, London, UK

Wow. I had no idea there were so many openly racist yahoos out there. Do you people spout this tripe in polite company? All those who accept the truth of Watson's assertions sans any supporting evidence ("black employees"? - pathetic) have obvious deep-seated and irrational prejudices which color their world-view to the detriment of reality. If a renowned scientist wants to make inflamatory remarks about so-called racial differences, the least he can do is pony up some evidence. Otherwise he'll be seen as a dotty old has-been (and rightly so, I'm afraid).

Frank W., Baltimore, USA

A lot of people here are invoking Godwins Law, before you post about Hitler please look it up.

joe, joetown,

Based on IQ tests, there is a difference between blacks and whites of European descent. The question becomes whether or not you accept the IQ test as giving an accurate read. The more dramatic example is when you compare the average IQ of Ashkenazi Jews with the average IQ of European/American whites. And this is supported by observation, as roughly 25% of all Nobel Prizes go to those with some Ashkenazi blood, yet less than 1/4 of 1 percent of the world's population is Ashkenazim. So if you don't believe in IQ tests, maybe you believe in the Nobel Prize.

I distinquish Ashkenazim from Sephardim and other Jews, because the statistics don't show the same achievement nor the same IQ average for the others. Which shows that this is not some religious decree from God, but the evolution of a people that traveled from the Middle East through Germany and other parts, yet kept to themselves.

Milton, NYC, USA

I think many people have missed the point or twisted his words here. All Prof. Watson has said was that different races had different levels of intelligence. He said nothing about any races being superior, nor that any races being stupid. He only pointed out that there was a need to revise the policies due to a difference in intelligence among different races. Un-PC as it is, I am sure many of us secretly think that or even have experiences that add weight to this argument. Watson described the general picture, but not individual cases, so it is really pointless to highlight individual situations and discredit what he has said.
By the way, I am Chinese.

Deborah, London, U.K.

Dr. Watson's comments about africans being less intelligent than other, unspeficied racial groups prompts me to point out two things:

First, Watson himself is over rated, and this is well-known in the scientific community. He is famous for an amazing piece of luck - he and Francis Crick more or less stumbled upon DNA's structure. Therefore, his "scientific" prouncements are suspect and should be listented carefully.

Second, his statements about race and intelligence reveal a cultural bias and are not scientific conclusions. He clearly has little experience with black people. I, on the other hand, can tell you from my personal experience that some of the most intelligent people I know are African American, and I would love to introduce Dr. Watson to some of them.

Paul Nicholas Boylan

Paul Nicholas Boylan, Sacramento, California

I'm an African molecular biologist, I moved to England in my teens (Incidentally I came in the top 10% of my class, so might be excused for feeling less gloomy than James Watson :-).

I would make some retort to James Watson's comments:
1) How can he make such a statement without genetic evidence to back up his statement. He admits that such evidence does not exist at the moment.
2) Variation in the coding portion of the human DNA sequence between races if low (the greatest time separation between modern man is in the order of tens of thousands of years, relatively low in evolutionary terms).
3) I lived in Nigeria for 8 years, over a period where the economy was prosperous in the 80's, to the collapse in the 90's. From my experience, the problems in Africa are largely ones of historical exploitation and trade issues.

If Watson is trying to drum up some interest in his new book with this pseudo-science, then the real scientific community should treat him with the contempt he deserves

Amos, London, England

All this shows is that a so called scientist HASN'T any proof but being American wants max hype for his lecture tour. Interestingly look up the definition of "lecture". Everybody knows that IQ tests are based on ones perspective of what intelligence is. Education can be equally validated. Many people have lost the right to free speech because of the offence they may cause - regardless of the so called TRUTH of what they say. The treatment with which this man is been given by being allowed into this country just proves the scientific community to be morally bankrupt and constantly excusing itself from views of the norm by saying they must be free to do their thing - regardless of consequence. I am of Afro-Caribean heritage and within one generation have made it to the same level in society that many of the so called "intelligent" whites have. I have a degree, a responsible job & great pay and a four bedroom house. I'm not the only black one who has done this....go figure...

Doreen, London,

He may or may not be wrong. Those who want to prove him wrong would do better to put in the scientific study like Watson himself. It is absolutely no argument at all to say "Even a five year old knows all races are equally intelligent!!?!". Does the five year old know something that Watson doesn't? Or does he just 'know' what he has been told by his parents, according to the prevailing orthodoxy? The same way a five year old in Nazi Germany might have "known" that Jewish people were inferior?

Nowhere does Watson advocate discrimination. Clearly, if a black person shows himself to be intelligent and good at his job, nobody is going to argue that he's not. Watson is claiming that, much as he'd like to believe the contrary, black people are on average slightly less intelligent, just as they are on average, though not in all cases, taller. Some of the posters here need to open their minds - they are the ones with a dangerous mindset. Come back when you've discovered DNA.

Amy A, Paris, France

He does not say anything about skin color or eye color. He speaks of genetic race, something a forensic scientist can determine after a fiery accident burns all of these other superficial elements off. Is a person who can determine a corpse's race a racist? Is someone who says women are different than men sexist?
Nothing he says in this article should raise any eyebrows, he is a top notch career scientist talking about research and data and some pretty unremarkable conclusions. To the folks that feel slighted, or that his words are outrageous: the lady doth protest too much, methinks! If you are looking for value judgments about yourself, look elsewhere. I found none here.

Armen, New York, USA

Why do we need scientists like James Watson when we have politicians like Keith Vaz who can tell us all we need to know?

Tam Earl-Aine, Cheltenham,

Dr Watson does not have any scientific evidence to back up what he is saying. Just because he discovered the structure of DNA and is a world nenowned scientist does not make him the authority on the intelligence of the races. Unless he can produce a link between DNA and the brain, then it's all utter rubbish. Why is it that only white scientists and not the black ones who are always making these ridiculous announcement on the biological differences betwen races.

I know of a fact that kids in primary schools in the Caribbean are much brighter than kids in the UK. I know thes because it has been proven many times over. Do your research.

I am more intelligent than some of my friends and some are more intelligent than I am, but it has nothing to do with race, if anything, it has more to do with social differences. We are all different and have different levels of learning, whether you are black, white, Asian or OTHER.

Andrew Prince, London, England

I guess that such opinions again demonstrate the backwardness of certain people who say they are intelligent. But such comment by others where made about these same , etctoday, when the white race, were seen as barbarians of little use. Even the Roman slave market show that the cost for a nubian- ethiopian was much higher than for Northern race. It is sad that the blacks are the ones that all ancient world including Rome and Greece attribute the first cities, laws, sciences, religion. But in the end even the planet questions them who say they are intelligent, as it now begin response in kind

Michael, Birmingham, West midlands

He is perfectly entitled to his say whether what he says is right or wrong. Why do people get so politically correct - some people are genetically pre-disposed towards certain diseases or have certain traits and that this may be linked to genetics is firmly acknowledged so why not intelligence. The fact is that black americans and some africans (not all) have been shown to achieve consistently worse academic results in empirical surveys so what is wrong with trying to explain this with science?

Alex Weill, London,

As an older person - and at the risk of appearing ageist - I have an unsubstantiated theory of my own, that advancing age often diminishes one's reason, better judgement and restraint. I could site numerous examples - but I won't - of intelligent and highly educated people who in their later years advanced the most preposterous ideas imaginable. I can but attribute this to deteriorating brain function, coupled perhaps with unknown dysfunction. My theory allows me to turn away from their sad babblings while leaving intact my appreciation for the contribution to society the person made during the healthier periods of their life. Dr. James Watson was a great man. That is how I choose to remember him.

Jerome Thomas, Seattle,

What absurd statement is next? Ashkenazi Jews being good at mathematics?

James, Sunderland,

Although I don't necessarily agree with Dr. Watson's comments, where is the evidence that proves he is wrong? Rather than immediately brand him a racist "of the most dangerous kind" as one previous comment overstressed it, maybe this could lead the scientific community to carry out proper research and ultimately prove/disprove his claims.

He stated, "...there is no firm reason to anticipate that the intellectual capacities of peoples geographically separated in their evolution should prove to have evolved identically...", is this such an inflammatory remark to make? Theoretically, if you look at how the western world progressed in terms of science, maths, physics and human evolution in general to this day, I don't think his comments are that shocking.

Groups are inherently different, as are the individuals within them...let's all think about his comments and ask for more scientific evidence before jumping on the bandwagon.

Remsly, West Midlands,

I highly doubt he would make these claims without knowledge and research to back it up. He is one of the co-discoverers of DNA structure and a Nobel prize winner, after all. If anyone is qualified to make these statements, it's him.

Research and science should not be ignored simply because they don't always fit in to the "politically correct" ideals of the ignorant.

I believe all races should be considered equal. However, to consider every race the same in physical or mental capacities for the sake of correctness, is ridiculous.

Trevor Curtis, Surfers Paradise, Queensland

He is spot on. For anyone who is interested in evidence please read Michael Levin's 'Race Matters'.

There is no evidence of intellectual parity between the races and for those that are ideologically committed to the idea I would ask that evidence be produced to support their beliefs before they attack a great scientist who is merely stating the facts.

Just because you would like something to be true doesn't mean it is. Psychologically there is a strong human desire for everything to be fair and it is a kind instinct but improperly applied these polite and PC platitudes cause havoc and sqew our sense of reality.

No doubt Dr Watson will be torn to shreds for stating the bleeding obvious.

Peter, London, London

"The newly formed Equality and Human Rights Commission is studying Dr Watson’s remarks “in full”."

I'm curious as to why this has been reported. Does it mean he might be arrested for a hate crime or something?

Mary Jeffries, Edinburgh, UK

James Watson is clearly rather more intelligent, scientific (and accomplished) than most of his detractors, so it's depressing to hear them abusing him for reaching conclusions they simply don't like and won't hear. Depressing, but not surprising.

I notice that most of them can barely spell though, let alone string together a decent sentence.

j griffiths, manchester, england

"What would rather you have a surgeon with high IQ score or surgeon that plays basketball well?"

the first open heart surgery performed in the United States was done by an African American...I'm not sure if he played basketball.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Hale_Williams

scalito, Houston, TX

Dr. Watson might be making such remarks due to his own oversize ego of intellect by which he sees blacks as inferior. I must say that most people are moronic and yes, a lot of blacks tend to be less clever than whites but that is due more to the environments they have been raised in through out their lives. Poor people who grow in a less desireable environment is going to be less clever than the ones that are brought with good schools and wealth around them. I do not need genetic proof for this discernment. Just look around. The environment plays a major role in the cleverness of a people.

marie, cambridge, UK

I am sick to the back teeth of comments like this. and to "Ebola" above, ofcourse he would! It is even more disturbing that some people posting their comments here are going as far as agreeing with this man. Because he is an intelligent man does that mean he is flawless in all his judgements? He is not God. By claiming that these "tests" suggest that Black people are less intelligent, is he saying that those Black people who are considered as intelligent are "freaks" who are intelligent by "accident"? But hey I guess Im supposed to thank this "incredibly intelligent scientist" for engraving useless opinions into the nations and the worlds scemata simply because he feels the need to abuse the uses of his reputation.

Ross Agim, London, Hertfordshire

It's always amusing to watch people (such as Joaquim) get tied up in knots over this stuff. Watson refers to "races" and not to individuals so however good J's school grades are, we really can't deduce anything from them... except that Joaquim is a good student regardless of the colour of his skin. Nothing in any test on groups can ever be used to deduce something about an individual. That said, data from a set of individuals CAN say something about a group they belong to.

Watson wouldn't say what he said unless he had evidence and there is evidence aplenty for his statements. What is more interesting is a) whether we should actually look for evidence and b) what we should do with any evidence we find.

People are always painting the 'whites' as the baddies in the show but I can't see any comments from evidently Jewish or East Asian people so far... two "groups" who consistently outscore 'whites' and 'blacks' in traditional IQ tests.

Perhaps they're too clever to get involved?!

Roger Darce, London, UK

I don't understand why people are so upset about his comments... they make perfect sense. Evolving in a different region of Earth caused people to have different skin color, bone/muscle structure, hair color... why wouldn't people have evolved differently in terms of brain-capacity, also?

Before people get all up-in-arms about racism, they should take a look about why they're getting upset. I'd have to say it has more to do with trying to deny something that would disrupt their rainbows and puppy-dogs view of equality. People are not equal in their abilities - FACT. People are equal in their value as a human life... but whether you want to believe it or not, evolution happened (and is continuing to happen) and it gave all races of people strengths and shortcomings.

Zach, San Diego, CA

That Watson is correct needs no further proof. Almost every scientific evaluation of race and intelligence supports what he as said. The danger comes from truth of what he has to say. If blacks' bell curve of intelligence is to the left of other groups, how then is society to interact with black people? It is SO much easier to blame environment and then throw resources at the "problem" than to come to grips with the difficulty that perhaps there is nothing that can be done to change inate intelligence. It is SO much easier to name call than to provide an explanation of the widespread failure of a group of people to acheive much in the way of intelligent contributions to the world at large that doesn't rely on blaming white people.

Robert Adamson, Glendale, AZ

Presumably, Dr. Watson is well read and might be aware of the scientific "The Bell Curve" published in the US of A. The higher level of intelligence found to be possessed by whites vs black was all of 2.5 points variance on average. Not a lot of difference, But, you should have seen how quickly the authors were run out of town for saying so! Gracious me alive! Talk about being politically incorrect!

Robert Thomas, Tallahassee, USA/Florida

I as a PhD student in chemical engineering am deeply sad an extremely disappointed at this kind of comments without any scientific proof coming from one the most important scientist of the 20th century. The comments made by Prof. Watson are making the entire scientific community sad and this only makes me think that even science is human and we should be extremely careful if we want the people to believe in it by not making non based personal comments. Specially if it is coming from a Nobel price!

Veronica Ponce de Leon, Lasuanne, Switzerland

What would rather you have – surgeon with high IQ score or surgeon that plays basketball well? Note: IQ is not politically correct since results would favor Dr. Watson’s view. Bottom line: you dead and surgeon receive extra credit for basketball skills since IQ was never determined.

Tom, New York City, US/NY

Wonderful! Call him a racist and then promote his speaking tour. Journalism at its best.

Naz, Manchester, UK

If he had claimed black people were more intelligent would he still be rubbished and criticised for baseless, unscientific personal prejudices ?

Ebola, London,

and in this country, we say he's smart.

george, lavergne, tennessee

watson rules

C, Nottingham, UK

Well...

It is true that different races have different average IQ's.

You can argue about how accurately, if at all, IQ tests measure intelligence. You can also argue the extent to which IQ is innate and how much it is influenced by environment.

But it is simply a politically-correct cover-up to say there are no differences at all.

David , beethoven, UK

Great way to publicise his tour. Might backfire though.

Why shouldn't he put his views, just because it might offend some peoples sensibilities, pah. He may even be right.

I'm no good at basketball because I'm not tall enough, I don't take offence at that, it's just a fact of life.

David, Hatfield, UK

How can a man of such intellegence make such a comment that is void of intellegence ? I pity him !!!

Andrew , Wembley , UK

When Steven Rose's scientific achievements match those of Watson, I'll sit up and listen to what he has to say. For goodness sake, this man is the greatest living scientist in the world today!!

Concerned Scientist, London,

He is a scientist and no doubt carried out research before making this statement. Would it have been acceptable if his findings were the reverse. Probably.

Steve P, Leeds, England

This reminds me of the story of the emporer and his his new clothes.....

michael, upminster,

Oh no, not another 'White Supremist'!

Royston, London,

So what? Either the evidence is correct or it isn't, but it is in our humanity that we are all of equal worth not our intelligence. I am quite happy to accept the majority of people are more intellectually well equiped than me, but not that anyone is more worthy than I am because they are more intelligent. That is just the luck of the evolutionary draw.

PAUL MORLEY, solihull, West Midlands

Did he actually use the word 'Stupid'?

The headline is very misleading.. The BBC tried this approach and look where it got them.

Phil Hannah, Lochty, Scotland

It's interesting how the secularist Left is always quick to point out that Man is not special in the world. We are only another animal among the many that inhabit the planet. Biology and animal husbandry are quick to note the distinctions between various breeds of animals...including intelligence. However, when it comes to applying that same logic to differing breeds of Man all of the sudden Man is a special case again. Talk about having your cake and eating it too! Obviously there are major differences between the various races of humanity just as there are among the various breeds of cattle or equine. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Ernst, Madison,

I have no words, I really have no words...
It is pointless, racist, and the last time we heard such stupid and scandalous theory coming out of a man's mouth was I guess 74 years ago...just before World War Two, I think it was one of the German leader -elected in 1933- theories...
I'm black myself, I'm French, I speak english, I'm learning how to speak german, and I'm learning latin, I'm a pretty good student, I know a lot, I can count and read pretty well, my mother, is a lawyer working at the ICTR-International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda- my father is a film director, my uncle is a psychiatric , 2 of my uncles are headteachters, I myself want to be a lawyer and a diplomate...
All this to say that the fact you're black or white has nothing to do with your intelligence...

Joaquim Gaye, Paris, France

As unfashionable as his view may be, he certainly has a point hasn't he?

Cedric, Lonson, UK

I find it rather hypocritical on the part of the British Government to allow Dr. James Watson a self confessed racist of the most dangerous kind to come to the United Kingdom for a speaking tour, but refuse the Hon. Louis Farakhan to do the same. Are they not both from the United States of America? or is it because one is white and the other black? let the government answer.

Solomon, London, UK

There are no suprises here, we live in time of controversy.
It appears it always a convienent pratice to mock ethnic minorities & women for shock value especially blacks the PROBLEM RACE.
Dr Watson is not saying anything new which we haven't already heard about black peoples, the difference is that he has openly brough it to debate again. We all know blacks run faster , have higher libidos, have lower IQ all based on scientific thesis/ explanations by eminent white scholars/scientists.
Intriguingly, white people always seem to the persons espouing these stories, we never hear eminent black scholar/ scientist making prouncements on biological race differences between white's and blacks .
One wonder whether these prouncements and therories has any thing to do with insecurities and ignorance of a few racist bigots!!!

Antony, Newmarket, UK

I remember doing a course for 'A 'level bio, and reading about him. I cannot believe what age has done to him. Poor man! Even a 5 year old knows that intelligence is not linked to skin colour, so how a 'great' scientist from a 'one of the leading ' research centres could write such utter rubbish boggles the mind. He needs help ! We black people are far too intelligent to ever make such stupid remarks.

Chipo Chinhanga, Harare, Zimbabwe

I doubt Watson is 'out of his depth' scientifically, but probably is socially and politically, neither of which is based on any kind of logical research.
Why are scientists like Watson and Dawkins pilloried for stating the bleedin' obvious. I look forward to reading Watsons' new book.

Colin, London, UK

I'm sad to read what this man is saying. His theory seems to come from a nazi archive. Maybe his next claim will be that people with blue eyes and blonde hair are more intelligent than those with dark eyes and dark hair.

Rosa, frankfkurt, germany

If they are going to criticize him, they had better cite their sources. Not because he is necessarily right, but because it's a deeply uncivilized spectacle to see politicians flocking to denounce an eminent scientist as "unscientific".

Julian Morrison, Reading, Berkshire

This is simple. Dr. Watson is entirely entitled to his views. But he is also a world renowned scientist. So, where is the EVIDENCE, Dr. Watson? Is there any or for us to consider or is this just racist hyperbole?

Renny, Dublin, Ireland

Where does it say he used the word 'stupid'?

jb, florence, al/us

He is quite right. It is about time that this fact is acknowledged and the PC tomfoolery forgotten.

Brian O Cinneide, Durban, South Africa

Why does Mr Vaz call these claims unscientific when that is exactly what these assertions are based on ?
Would there be an uproar if the claim was that Black people where naturally more athletic than white people ?
Perhaps in general (emphasis on general ), different races have different strengths suited to their original environment .
Surely this is a case of political correctness interfering with scientific evidence because it doesn't like the sound of the findings ... could there be anything more typical of this labour government ?
Doubtless there will be people who assume that this statement refers to all black people being more stupid than white people , which is obviously not the case .

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

When I was in Nigeria some time ago, a (black) Professor said to me that he believed the problem solving ability of their indigenous population was not as good as 'expatriates'. I consider there are a number of reasons why this was the case, perhaps differences in problem solving play (in those days e.g. mechano), or perhaps evolution in a different setting. Had this professor said these comments today, and not been 'black', he would have been widely criticised, due to our excessive political correctness and loss of freedom for academics to express certain views. A similar comment that some Asian/ far eastern students excell in certain subjects at UK Universities would not be criticised, but could be equally true.

Dave Maratos, Manchester, England

Where does it say 'Stupid' ? and are people of other ethnic origins 'Stupid' ? and what does 'Stupid ' mean anyway?

Answer the stupid questions - 'Stupid'!

Jim Currie, Glasgow,