Advantaged, disadvantaged, or neither?

In american studies this week we examined concepts of race, its definition and racial stereotypes. Among the issues discussed was that of so called genetic advantages present in different races genetic makeup. African americans are commonly stereotyped as athletically gifted over whites, while asians are commonly viewed as genetically apt in mathematics. However, scientific studies reveal little difference in the genetic makeup between races, and no genetic traits applicable to all people of a single race that would advantage them in any area. The explanation for racial dominance in various areas is in my opinion social.

It is hard to overlook the overwhelming number of african american players successful in the NFL, the success of Kenyan runners, or the african american identity of the world's greatest two boxers: Mike Tyson and Mohammed Ali. However, rather than attributing this success to genetic advantages, it can be attributed to their social circumstances: for many less privileged African americans, sports such as these are a route out of poverty and so many of them attempt to succeed in these areas as best they can. Asian dominance in mathematics and science may be attributed to cultural differences as well, as parents drive their kids especially hard to excel in these areas. My american studies teacher gave an example that demonstrated well the false views on genetic advantages: Jewish superiority in basketball was once attributed to their sly, deceptive makeup. If this isn't ridiculous I don't know what is.