The "talk" John Derbyshire gives to his children. If that site is not working, Twitchy has it screen capped. Update: John Derbyshire's "talk" and advice to those who want to discuss race in America...
This will get a lot of press. I disagree with some of the points John Derbyshire stated. I am very skeptical of the intelligence argument made and even data from Andrew Sullivan's promoted The Bell Curve does not support Derbyshire's conclusion. There are difference in population groups, but Charles Murray's new work Losing Ground shows that cultural factors (in that work Murray limited himself to statistical studies of white populations) can result in amplifying negative behaviors. But maybe Derbyshire and Sullivan are right. The data and methodology can be argued. So argue it. If they are wrong, show they are wrong. With data and facts rather than hysteria.
Or perhaps humor?
The views expressed are very common. Many of the people who will denounce him (of all races) say some of the points Derbyshire states all the time in private. I know because I have heard them say it. I am not defending that as right, but I know this happens. And I know a lot of you think and say similar things. Matthew 7: 1-5 comes to mind. Perhaps before reacting with over the top indignation and faux outrage, we could use this article to engage in some introspection and civil discussion?
I have heard liberals who work in social services say exactly the same things Derbyshire is saying (it usually starts around the second or third drink after a trying week at work). And racism on the left is generally worse than racism on the right. That is my own personal observation.
And here is another open secret that anyone who travels knows--racism and xenophobia is by far worse in the rest of the world. By worse I mean prevalent, open, notorious and its harmful effects much greater
Derbyshire's story has already been denounced by Rich Lowry, Ramesh Ponnuru, and Jonah Goldberg. I am sure there will be a stampede tomorrow.
I hope the discussion about this is civil and objective. Somehow I do not see that happening.
Update:
The Crack Emcee said...
This will get a lot of press. I disagree with some of the points John Derbyshire stated. I am very skeptical of the intelligence argument made and even data from Andrew Sullivan's promoted The Bell Curve does not support Derbyshire's conclusion. There are difference in population groups, but Charles Murray's new work Losing Ground shows that cultural factors (in that work Murray limited himself to statistical studies of white populations) can result in amplifying negative behaviors. But maybe Derbyshire and Sullivan are right. The data and methodology can be argued. So argue it. If they are wrong, show they are wrong. With data and facts rather than hysteria.
Or perhaps humor?
The views expressed are very common. Many of the people who will denounce him (of all races) say some of the points Derbyshire states all the time in private. I know because I have heard them say it. I am not defending that as right, but I know this happens. And I know a lot of you think and say similar things. Matthew 7: 1-5 comes to mind. Perhaps before reacting with over the top indignation and faux outrage, we could use this article to engage in some introspection and civil discussion?
I have heard liberals who work in social services say exactly the same things Derbyshire is saying (it usually starts around the second or third drink after a trying week at work). And racism on the left is generally worse than racism on the right. That is my own personal observation.
And here is another open secret that anyone who travels knows--racism and xenophobia is by far worse in the rest of the world. By worse I mean prevalent, open, notorious and its harmful effects much greater
Derbyshire's story has already been denounced by Rich Lowry, Ramesh Ponnuru, and Jonah Goldberg. I am sure there will be a stampede tomorrow.
I hope the discussion about this is civil and objective. Somehow I do not see that happening.
Update:
It may not be pretty to read, or come close to some ideal, but how much of what Derbyshire wrote is mostly true in a still too significant portion of America's population, black, or white? And why is the left intent on only dealing with it by screaming and freaking out, when only a calmer, more sensible conversation over time is the only positive way in which to deal with it? It's as if the left, not the right, is absolutely determined to ensure that racial division will always exist in America? Why is that?Perhaps it's just as seems to be the case with Chuckles. Racism is only truly worth addressing if and when you believe you can somehow attack people with whom you disagree politically. Honestly, just how noble is that? Not very, in my opinion, for what it's worth.
- The Other McCain: Using Derbyshire as a verb...
- EBL: Spinning into Butter...the left's obsession with raaaaacism
- David Weigel at Slate
- The Raw Story's ABL has a response...
- ThinkProgress reached out to Derbyshire to verify that the column was not meant to be satire. “I’d call it ‘social commentary,’” he said.
- Protein Wisdom on Derbyshire's post...
Some of what Derbyshire said in his article I didn’t agree with; some of what he argued I take no position on, because I’d need to see the evidence cited expanded on a bit and given a more rigorous test; but what is indisputable is that the article was set up as a talk he’d have with his kids about race, and the opinions he’s formed — and that he’d pass on to his children — were his, while the reasons he’s developed them he sourced w/ links. That is, he tried (within the constraints of the format) to show his work.That his article brought out some unsavory types in the comments — WHY WON’T DERBYSHIRE TAKE ON THE KIKES? — has less to do with his article and more to do with certain people who are always drawn to such pieces.
It was in many respects a brave article — and that can be true whether you believe Derbyshire a racist or not. But given that it was written in the context of bounties on George Zimmerman, or Spike Lee Tweeting out home addresses, or Al Sharpton — who is invited to Easter breakfast at the WH — actively working to incite violence and subvert the justice system, well, it expresses a kind of anxiety that exists in the culture right now.
- Lisa Graas on what she says to her kids...
- Bob Belvedere at Camp of the Saints...
- Rich Lowry: Derbyshire and NRO parting ways...
- Instapundt on Derbyshire's firing...
- Where is the outrage of the left over Marion Barry's racist comments?
The Crack Emcee said...Another PC witch hunt? Great. People love being hypocrites nowadays.
I read it, I liked it, and if you don't, nuts. The truth hurts and outrage from idiots doesn't make them right.
Good luck, Derb - keep hitting them where it hurts.
I read it, I liked it, and if you don't, nuts. The truth hurts and outrage from idiots doesn't make them right.
Good luck, Derb - keep hitting them where it hurts.