A few days ago, the Nobel Laureate, Dr James Watson, made a remark that is now generating worldwide uproar, especially among the blacks.

He said what to me looks like a self-evident truth. He told The Sunday Times of London in an interview that in his humble opinion, black people are less intelligent than the White people.

Since then, some of us cannot hear anything else but the outrage of black people who feel demeaned by what Watson has said. So many people have called the man names. To be expected, some have said he is a racist. Some even wonder how a "foolish& quot; man like Watson could have won the Nobel Prize. Even white people who, deep in their heart, agree with Watson want to be politically, correct so they condemn the man.

Why are we blacks becoming so reactive, so sensitive to any remarks, no matter how well-meaning, about our failure as a race? Why are we becoming like the Jews who see every accusation as a manifestation of anti-Semitism? I do not know what constitutes intelligence. I leave that to our so-called scholars. But I do know that in terms of organising society for the benefit of the people living in it, we blacks have not shown any intelligence in that direction at all. I am so ashamed of this and sometimes feel that I ought to have belonged to another race.

Nigeria my dear country is a prime example of the inferiority of the black race when compared to other races. Let somebody please tell me whether it is a manifestation of intelligence if a people cannot organise a free, fair and credible elect ion to choose who will lead them. Is it intelligence that we! cannot provide simple pipe-borne water for the people? Our public school system has virtually collapsed. Is that a sign of intelligence? Our roads are impassable. In spite of the numerous sources that nature has made available to us to tap for energy to run our industries and homes, we have no steady supply of electricity. Yet electricity is the bedrock of industrialisation. When you agree with the school of Watson, some say you are incorrect because all these failures are a result of poor leadership. Why must it be us blacks who must always suffer poor leadership? Is that not a manifestation of unintelligence?

In the name of international trade, bilateral co-operation, globalisation and other subterfuges, the norm in the world today is for smart people to appropriate the wealth of other people for themselves and their countries. But more among the blacks than any other race, the practice is to steal from their own country and salt away to other people's country. Is it intell igence that our leaders steal billions of naira and hide in other people's country?

Anywhere in the world today where you have a concentration of black people among other races, the poorest, the least educated, the least achieving, and the most violent group among those races will be the blacks. When indices of underdevelopment are given, black people and countries are sure to occupy the bottom of the ladder. If we are intelligent, why do we not carry first when statistics of development are given?

Look at the African continent. South Africa is the most developed country because of the presence of whites there. This may be an uncomfortable truth for many of us but it exists nevertheless. If the whites had been driven away after independence, we would have seen a steady decline of that country.

In terms of natural endowment, Africa ought to be the richest of the continents but see the mess we have made of the potential for greatness which God in his infin ite wisdom has bestowed upon us. We have proved totally inca! pable of harnessing the abundant natural resources to become great. Today, there is a renewed scramble for the wealth of Africa. China, our new "friend", does not bother about the genocide against fellow blacks in the Sudan by the Arabs who control the affairs of that country. They say they do not want to interfere in the internal affairs of any country. All they want is the oil in Sudan to run their industries. Yet, we blacks have not seen the Chinese action as an affront to our sensitivities. Every race takes us for granted because we are so weak and so foolish, if you permit me to say it.

I am really pained by our gross underachievement as a race. Instead of regarding bitter truths expressed by the likes of Watson as a wake-up call for us to engage in sober reflection, we take to the expression of woolly sentiment. For me, this type of reaction is a further evidence of our unintelligence. A man of intelligence recognises genuine criticism against him and takes ste ps to improve himself in order to prove his critics wrong. But for us blacks, our reaction is to abuse the man who expresses worries about our backwardness.

Other races are deeply worried about us because we are a problem to the world. We suffer from the five Ds: disorderliness, debts, diseases, deaths and disasters. Our disorderliness affects others or else they won't be too bothered about us. Many are afraid because our diseases could infect them. Polio has been eradicated all over the world yet it is still found in Nigeria here. When they give us money to help us eradicate it, our thieving officials will embezzle the money; the virus will spread and endanger the health of not only our people but other people as well.

Out of a shared sense of humanity, some cannot bear to see how we die in thousands almost every day from clearly preventable diseases and causes. For years now, our people die extremely painful but perfectly preventable deaths from buildings whi ch collapse because they were poorly constructed. How can yo! u tell m e we are as intelligent as others when we set traps for ourselves in the name of houses and others do not do so? Some people are extremely frustrated about us. If they have a way of avoiding us, they will be too glad to do so because we are a problem.

As I write this, I do so with great pains in my heart because I know that God has given intelligence in equal measure to all his children irrespective of the colour of their skin. The problem with us black people is that we have refused to use our intelligence to organise ourselves socially and politically.

It should worry us that we do not invent things. We do not go to the moon. Our societies are not well-organised. We have the shortest lifespan of all the races. Something must be wrong with us. Why are we not like others? Our scholars will be quick to say that these are not the only ways of measuring intelligence. They will quote other scholars to adumbrate their point, but the fact remains that we are not showi ng intelligence. Others are showing it more than we're doing. If they are not more intelligent than we are, let someone tell me how to put it. God himself must be frustrated with his black children. They must be an embarrassment to him. He has given us everything he has given to other of his children; why are his black children not manifesting their own gift?

A few years ago, the whites used to contemptuously call the Japanese "little Japs". Today, the Japanese and other Asians have pulled themselves up by the bootstrap and have arrived. No one speaks of the Japanese or Asians with contempt anymore. When people like Watson speak about us in unedifying terms, we should take it as a challenge to prove them wrong by sitting down to plan how we can become world-beaters.

If our political leaders are the reason for our backwardness, we should resolve to get the kind of leaders who will be instrument for our rapid progress. I may not know how intelligence is measured but my limited knowledge of intelligence is that i! t can al so be measured by the kind of leaders a people decide to have. If, for instance, our professors preside over the massive rigging of elections, it means that we do not have very intelligent professors. Such rigged elections will no doubt produce unintelligent leaders. Such unintelligent leaders will do stupid things which will prove that we are not as intelligent as other races. Do I sound confusing or intelligent?

I am ready for some of our 'patriotic' intellectuals who will write and abuse me for the 'outrage' I have expressed here but I stick to my guns: we lack intelligence and as stated in the Bible, anyone who lacks intelligence should cry unto God who is the custodian of wisdom to bestow some upon him. We should go on our knees today and ask God why we do not appear as intelligent as our other brothers. I am confident God will reveal to us what we must do, and urgently too, to change our terribly unflattering circumstances.

First published 10-25-7
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710250639.html

Such is largely the result of colonialism. Taking Africa from high level autonomy, civilization, wealth and advancement to a resource mine for greedy western powers. And we gladly let them continue with this exploitation.

kingston277:
Such is largely the result of colonialism. Taking Africa from high level autonomy, civilization, wealth and advancement to a resource mine for greedy western powers. And we gladly let them continue with this exploitation.

I am really pained by our gross underachievement as a race. Instead of regarding bitter truths expressed by the likes of Watson as a wake-up call for us to engage in sober reflection, we take to the expression of woolly sentiment and scapegoating our problems on the actions of others (colonization) . For me, this type of reaction is a further evidence of our unintelligence.

Persecution complex: "The central belief of every slowpoke is that he is the victim of a mysterious conspiracy against his common rights and true desserts. He ascribes all his failure to get on in the world, all of his congenital incapacity and damfoolishness, to the machinations of werewolves assembled in Wall Street, or some other such den of infamy."

- H.L Mencken

He didn't lie.. Though he might have been rude


There is a connection between surplus and stupidity

To some average pple.. Having a filled belly is the zenith of all their striving..

Go to malls.. Pple throng into shop rite.. All to buy stuff.. Eat eat eat.. Like an animal instinct.

Lack, sometimes, sharpens the mind.

They whites had to store up grasses for their animals cos of winter..
Our pple just move around with cattles.. Grasses
everywhere, all year round

It's an intrinsic problem.. Until we face the truth.. Nothing dynamic is gonna happen

kilokeys:
He didn't lie.. Though he might have been rude


There is a connection between surplus and stupidity

To some average pple.. Having a filled belly is the zenith of all their striving..

Go to malls.. Pple throng into shop rite.. All to buy stuff.. Eat eat eat.. Like an animal instinct.

Lack, sometimes, sharpens the mind.

If lack sharpened the mind Africans would be the smartest people on earth.

Alas, africans are not only the poorest, but the dumbest as well.

your people may be under achievers but igbo people are iconic when it's come to black race

pleep:
If lack sharpened the mind Africans would be the smartest people on earth.

Alas, africans are not only the poorest, but the dumbest as well.

Using I.q tests as a measure of intelligence is ridiculous. Have you ever seen an iq test?

If indeed you're black, then surely you're suffering from some sort of inferiority complex. It's either that or maybe you watch too much of what they want you to see.

VoslerGrimsbane:


Using I.q tests as a measure of intelligence is ridiculous. Have you ever seen an iq test?

If indeed you're black, then surely you're suffering from some sort of inferiority complex. It's either that or maybe you watch too much of what they want you to see.

Yes I have seen an IQ test, I scored 130. That number explained many things in my life, and especially my experience on Nairaland.

VoslerGrimsbane:


Using I.q tests as a measure of intelligence is ridiculous. Have you ever seen an iq test?

If indeed you're black, then surely you're suffering from some sort of inferiority complex. It's either that or maybe you watch too much of what they want you to see.

By the way, the IQ test measures abstract reasoning skills. This is ones ability to recognize patterns, understand complex ideas and comprehend how seemingly unrelated data is connected. Not only this, it also correlates with your ability to conceptualize future events, especially as they relate to your actions in the present.

My IQ score correlates with my ACT score, my SAT score, my MAT score, etc etc if i take the LSAT or the GRE it will correlate with that too.

badnature:
your people may be under achievers but igbo people are iconic when it's come to black race

I agree that eastern Nigerians seem to be smarter than the average. Me personally, I am from one of the tribes that was included in Biafra and i think that if that nation had succeeded it would have produced the highest sub Saharan IQ.

Not to discount the Yoruba, and their related tribes, who seem to have produced the highest IQ black people on earth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dh5rvace38

...and some others.

But, exceptions don't negate the rule, while there are many smart black people the average is 70, and this is the cause of all the black races problems.

pleep:


Yes I have seen an IQ test, I scored 130. That number explained many things in my life, and especially my experience on Nairaland.

Yeah right. I'm sure it is. This certainly gives me a better understanding on the sort of person you are.

pleep:


By the way, the IQ test measures abstract reasoning skills. This is ones ability to recognize patterns, understand complex ideas and comprehend how seemingly unrelated data is connected. Not only this, it also correlates with your ability to conceptualize future events, especially as they relate to your actions in the present.

My IQ score correlates with my ACT score, my SAT score, my MAT score, etc etc if i take the LSAT or the GRE it will correlate with that too.

And you don't see the irony in this?

Op, tell your story to other blacks, NOT to we the IGBOS.

VoslerGrimsbane:


And you don't see the irony in this?

No, why don't you tell me about it?

SonOfEl:
Op, tell your story to other blacks, NOT to we the IGBOS.

inability for self criticism is one of the hallmarks of low intelligence.

perhaps the Igbos are slightly smarter than other Nigerian groups, but where are the Igbo Nobel prize winners in physics and science?

....

pleep:
No, why don't you tell me about it?

No need, Ben Carson.

VoslerGrimsbane:


No need, Ben Carson.

What are you talking about? Ben Carson is not low IQ, this man had the highest SAT score of any student graduating from Detroit public schools in the last 20 years.

The pre 1994 SAT was little more than an IQ test, the old SAT correlates so well with IQ that it is included as a qualifying exam for MENSA. http://www.us.mensa.org/join/testscores/qualifyingscores/

pleep:
inability for self criticism is one of the hallmarks of low intelligence.

perhaps the Igbos are slightly smarter than other Nigerian groups, but where are the Igbo Nobel prize winners in physics and science?

How does not having a Nobel prize connote to low IQ? I think you are the one with an inferiority problem here...

Have you heard of animalu's constant in physics? Animalu was twice a Nobel prize nominee...but then , a Nobel prize is not a measure of a country's IQ.

Check on these:
1. Bowen's book about Igbo slaves in the slave trade era.
2. olaudah equiano, if there was a nobel peace prize in his time, he would have won it with Wilberforce
3. Cyprian Emeka Uzoh, Africa's most prolific inventor.
4. ndubuisi ekekwe, another prolific inventor.
5. Chinua Achebe, the most read African author and dubbed "father of modern African literature" by a south African NOBEL PRIZE WINNER, nardine gordimer!
6. Pre civil war igbos being the most educated blacks in Africa...pls google it up.
7. The most ENTREPRENEURAL and travelled people after Jews and Indians I think.

Dude, I can't shout....read about chisala's trending research on IQ , its there online, just google it.

pleep:


By the way, the IQ test measures abstract reasoning skills. This is ones ability to recognize patterns, understand complex ideas and comprehend how seemingly unrelated data is connected. Not only this, it also correlates with your ability to conceptualize future events, especially as they relate to your actions in the present.

My IQ score correlates with my ACT score, my SAT score, my MAT score, etc etc if i take the LSAT or the GRE it will correlate with that too.

Not a replacement for street smarts.

Topic and op

Thanks for letting us know blacks are considered unintelligent and also for letting us know an article was written to this effect.

Be sure to post more of such periodically as you usually do.

tpiadotcom:



Not a replacement for street smarts.

Street smarts indicate a high IQ person who was not properly educated or does not have the conscientiousness to apply their intellect to honest or productive endeavors.

The IQ measures abstract reasoning, one who cannot understand abstract information or conceptualize the future is simply not intelligent.

SonOfEl:


How does not having a Nobel prize connote to low IQ? I think you are the one with an inferiority problem here...

Have you heard of animalu's constant in physics? Animalu was twice a Nobel prize nominee...but then , a Nobel prize is not a measure of a country's IQ.

Check on these:
1. Bowen's book about Igbo slaves in the slave trade era.
2. olaudah equiano, if there was a nobel peace prize in his time, he would have won it with Wilberforce
3. Cyprian Emeka Uzoh, Africa's most prolific inventor.
4. ndubuisi ekekwe, another prolific inventor.
5. Chinua Achebe, the most read African author and dubbed "father of modern African literature" by a south African NOBEL PRIZE WINNER, nardine gordimer!
6. Pre civil war igbos being the most educated blacks in Africa...pls google it up.
7. The most ENTREPRENEURAL and travelled people after Jews and Indians I think.

Dude, I can't shout....read about chisala's trending research on IQ , its there online, just google it.

Why should I look up chiselas trending research when I have done my own? I don't copy other peoples conclusions I create my own, nor will i debate against the research of Chisala while i'm talking to you.

I advise you to do the same if you want to be taken seriously in the world of ideas.

Now back to point, your list doesnt prove anything. One could make an even longer list of the accomplishments of Black Americans, it doesn't change the fact that the average IQ of black Americans is 85. If Igbos want to prove they are smarter they are going to need more to show for it.

tpiadotcom:
Topic and op

Thanks for letting us know blacks are considered unintelligent and also for letting us know an article was written to this effect.

Be sure to post more of such periodically as you usually do.

blacks are not simply considered unintelligent, blacks are unintelligent. Instead of the usual denial we need to begin working on solving this problem.

pleep:
What are you talking about? Ben Carson is not low IQ, this man had the highest SAT score of any student graduating from Detroit public schools in the last 20 years.

The pre 1994 SAT was little more than an IQ test, the old SAT correlates so well with IQ that it is included as a qualifying exam for MENSA. http://www.us.mensa.org/join/testscores/qualifyingscores/

Exactly, Ben Carson.

pleep:
Why should I look up chiselas trending research when I have done my own? I don't copy other peoples conclusions I create my own, nor will i debate against the research of Chisala while i'm talking to you.

I advise you to do the same if you want to be taken seriously in the world of ideas.

Now back to point, your list doesnt prove anything. One could make an even longer list of the accomplishments of Black Americans, it doesn't change the fact that the average IQ of black Americans is 85. If Igbos want to prove they are smarter they are going to need more to show for it.

My point? You are the one tormenting yourself. No Igbo man will ever feel less intelligent that a white man, and even the whites themselves know these. In December 25th, will smith's cast as Dr. Bennet Omalu on the film concussion, will make you appreciate the intelligence of the IGBO . Its more about the environment and less about genetic involvement. Blacks being generally lazy doesn't mean they are less endowed than the whites. Take or leave.

pleep:
blacks are not simply considered unintelligent, blacks are unintelligent. Instead of the usual denial we need to begin working on solving this problem.

Yes, this is something you say every so often.

SonOfEl:


My point? You are the one tormenting yourself. No Igbo man will ever feel less intelligent that a white man, and even the whites themselves know these. In December 25th, will smith's cast as Dr. Bennet Omalu on the film concussion, will make you appreciate the intelligence of the IGBO . Its more about the environment and less about genetic involvement. Blacks being generally lazy doesn't mean they are less endowed than the whites. Take or leave.

I don't see myself as less intelligent than whites, let me make that clear, their own test says I am smarter than 98% of them. If, however, you take an IQ test and score 70, 85 or 90 it would be the height of foolishness to assume your intellect is the same as races who average 100 (Whites), 106 (Asians) and 110 (Jews).

Inability to accept bad news is one of the hallmarks of low IQ and that is why it is up to us, the fortunate ones, to turn off our emotions and find solutions so that maybe one day our pride in our race is commensurate to our actual measured ability.

pleep:
I don't see myself as less intelligent than whites, let me make that clear, their own test says I am smarter than 98% of them. If, however, you take an IQ test and score 70, 85 or 90 it would be the height of foolishness to assume your intellect is the same as races who average 100 (Whites), 106 (Asians) and 110 (Jews).

Inability to accept bad news is one of the hallmarks of low IQ and that is why it is up to us, the fortunate ones to find solutions so that maybe one day our pride in our race is commensurate to our actual measured ability.

I don't believe in tales of scientific racism....such tales are bad news when people let you believe them....speaking of your low IQ, not mine....

pleep:
I don't see myself as less intelligent than whites, let me make that clear, their own test says I am smarter than 98% of them. If, however, you take an IQ test and score 70, 85 or 90 it would be the height of foolishness to assume your intellect is the same as races who average 100 (Whites), 106 (Asians) and 110 (Jews).

Inability to accept bad news is one of the hallmarks of low IQ and that is why it is up to us, the fortunate ones, to turn off our emotions and find solutions so that maybe one day our pride in our race is commensurate to our actual measured ability.

Yes, every black is unintelligent except you.

SonOfEl:


I don't believe in tales of scientific racism....such tales are bad news when people let you believe them....speaking of your low IQ, not mine....

If science proves a theory is true, then the theory is true. If this fact is "racist" that doesn't make it untrue.

And rest assured my friend, the truth always surfaces. If not now, then 50 years from now when white guilt and political correctness are long forgotten memories. If heritable low IQ in the black race is not addressed and solved decisively, it will once again lead to the overt enslavement and oppression of African people.

tpiadotcom:



Yes, every black is unintelligent except you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dh5rvace38