DNA Scientist Apologizes for Race Remarks
Nobel-winning scientist James Watson, half of the DNA-pioneering team Watson and Crick, is undergoing a firestorm of criticism for recent comments he made in London's Sunday Times about how he was "inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa" because "all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours -- whereas all the testing says not really."
Nobel-winning scientist James Watson, half of the DNA-pioneering team Watson and Crick, is undergoing a firestorm of criticism for recent comments he made in London’s Sunday Times about how he was “inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa” because “all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours — whereas all the testing says not really.”
Rock Solid JournalismGuardian Unlimited:
Prof Watson’s statement did not clarify what his views on the issue of race and intelligence are, but he hinted that he had been misquoted.
“I cannot understand how I could have said what I am quoted as having said,” the statement said.
The professor had been due to speak at the Science museum in London tomorrow, but its directors called off the event last night after his comments were made public.
A spokesman said Prof Watson had “gone beyond the point of acceptable debate”.
In 2026, amid chaos and the nonstop flurry of headlines, Truthdig remains independent, fact-based and focused on exposing what power tries to hide.
Support Independent Journalism.
Health & Wellness
Expanding vaccine manufacturing in Africa could address longstanding problems with access to disease control resources.
LGBTQIA+
Countries in Africa have some of the harshest and most discriminatory LGBTQ+ policies in the world.
Global Voices
Zimbabwe’s hydropower collapse is a harbinger of crises to come.
Europe
For the French President, recruiting various African intellectuals turned out to be a key asset in trying to shift the Françafrique narrative, while simultaneously protecting French interests on the continent.
Women
Emboldened by the overturning of Roe v Wade, Western conservative movements are dialling up their Africa campaigns
World
In the Horn of Africa, a climate-fueled food catastrophe looms.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.