How to Argue With a Racist

Adam Rutherford

Paperback, 224 pages

9781474611251

History, Science, Race and Reality

Race is real because we perceive it.

Racism is real because we enact it.

But the appeal to science to strengthen racist ideologies is on the rise - and increasingly part of the public discourse on politics, migration, education, sport and intelligence.

Stereotypes and myths about race are expressed not just by overt racists, but also by well-intentioned people whose experience and cultural baggage steer them towards views that are not supported by the modern study of human genetics. Even some scientists are uncomfortable expressing opinions deriving from their research where it relates to race. Yet, if understood correctly, science and history can be powerful allies against racism, granting the clearest view of how people actually are, rather than how we judge them to be.

This work is a vital manifesto for a 21st century understanding of human evolution and variation, and a timely weapon against the misuse of science to justify bigotry.