Flutherers seem to have very different standards for what distinguishes commentary about cultural phenomena from racial bias. Is it possible to disentangle the two? If so, how?

It seems safe to say that there is a correlation between culture and behavior. Different cultures vary in their values, aesthetics, customs and lifestyles. Some cultures are racially divers, others more homogeneous. When a comment is made about a racially divers culture (e.g. American culture), even a negative comment, we don’t tend to assume that the comment is racially motivated. But if the comment concerns a more homogeneous culture, especially if the comment is negative, the specter of racism is raised.

It seems to be the modern scientific concensus that race is an artificial construct, having little to no biological basis. This is considered by many to be the progressive way of looking at race. But if we assume that discussions about culture are really about race, even if race is never mentioned, aren’t we in effect validating the concept of race?

I realize this is touchy ground, but as Eric Holder said, we tend to be cowards in talking with each other about race. Maybe a first step is exploring when we’re talking about culture and when we’re talking about race.

Topics: culture, racism, taboo, race, political correctness, bias