| silicon said:
Regardless of the facts, racism and sexism is wrong because it invokes the feeling of being treated unfairly. This negative feeling is often felt when others are treated unfairly or when oneself is being treated unfairly. These co-called facts of life are irrelevant. |
Where do we draw the line though? You're saying that I shouldn't call blacks less smart (even under the hypothetical situation where this is truth) because it hurts their feelings. I'm guessing I'm not allowed to tell people who have black skin that they have black skin either. Next thing you know, I'm not allowed to say anything to anyone because it "hurts their feelings". Are we really okay with that?
"John, you're wearing a blue shirt today."
"How could you say that? This is making me feel bad. You didn't tell anyone else the color of their shirts. It doesn't matter if it's a fact; I'm not taking this from you."
@Kantor:
I don't intend to harm anyone with my words. Sure, I'm well aware that what I'm saying will offend people, but shouldn't I be allowed to say it if it's true?
Also, you're taking my example far too literally. I personally detest IQ Tests and don't consider them a reliable measure of anything. I know that such a perfect study would be borderline impossible. All this was basically leading to this point, though: what if blacks were, for a fact, not smart? How does that affect the morality of calling them not smart?
For your last comment, I'm leaving that alone, but it's just because I don't think it's worth it starting a completely irrelevant historical argument here. Rest assured, though; I completely disagree with your insinuation and have piles of evidence to back me up. :P
“These are my principles; if you don’t like them, I have others.” – Groucho Marx
