Racism: Are Some Races “Dumber” or “Smarter”? History, Education, and the Impact of Ancient Civilizations

Racism and discrimination stem from the belief that one group of people is superior or inferior to another based on traits like skin color or origin. For centuries, these differences have been used to justify social divisions, slavery, and conflicts. But are there truly biological foundations for such divisions, or is it all about access to education, power, and resources? Let’s dive into history to discover the roots of these beliefs and how the development of civilizations shaped our perception of different groups.

Education and Power: From Sumerians to Egypt

In ancient civilizations like Sumer (modern-day Iraq) and Egypt, education and knowledge were the foundation of power. Around 3500 BCE, the Sumerians developed one of the first writing systems, cuneiform, giving them a tremendous advantage over other groups in the region. It wasn’t race but the ability to record knowledge, create laws, and organize society that placed the Sumerians in a dominant position.

Similarly, in ancient Egypt, the Pharaohs ruled a society where religion, science, and politics were deeply intertwined. Priests and educated elites had access to knowledge that allowed them to control society. Less educated groups, like the Nubians from the south, were viewed as subordinate. Were Nubians less intelligent? Of course not – the difference was simply that they didn’t have access to the same level of education and knowledge.

Racial Discrimination or Educational Hierarchy?

During the time of the Roman Empire, which spanned from Europe to North Africa and the Middle East, there was no concept of racism as we understand it today. Social divisions were based on origin, social status, and culture, not skin color. Romans considered themselves more civilized than the “barbarians” of the north, such as the Germans and Celts, not because of race but because they saw them as less educated, less technologically advanced, and less socially developed.

Likewise, the Greeks looked down on “foreigners” from outside the Greek world, calling them “barbarians,” which simply referred to people who did not speak Greek or participate in Greek culture. Aristotle argued that some people were “natural slaves,” but this referred to their lack of education and culture, not their race.

Systemic or Cultural Racism?

Today’s racial inequalities are often rooted in systemic educational and economic barriers that have their origins in the history of colonialism and slavery. In modern times, Europeans, who explored new territories, used their technological and educational advantage to dominate indigenous peoples in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Colonialism wasn’t based on one race’s biological superiority over another but on superiority derived from access to weapons, technology, and knowledge, which Europe gained through the Renaissance and the scientific revolution.

For example, the Spanish, who conquered great empires in South America like the Aztecs and Incas, didn’t succeed due to “higher” intelligence but due to access to technologies like steel and gunpowder. The Aztecs and Incas were incredibly advanced civilizations with their own educational systems, astronomical knowledge, and advanced social structures. Their military defeat was not due to a lack of intelligence but technological and logistical differences.

Reverse Racism: Resentment Towards the “Know-It-Alls”

Today, in both developed and developing countries, we observe reverse racism, where less educated groups, whether rural or urban, look with resentment at those who are more educated. This is seen, for example, in the resistance to science and globalization, where people cling to tradition and religion, ignoring or even rejecting scientific explanations and education.

In such societies, both in the West and elsewhere, educated individuals, especially those promoting science and new technologies, are sometimes seen as a threat to traditional values. Religion and culture become strongholds against changes perceived as an attempt to impose Western values.

Education as a Tool for Equal Opportunities

The solution to this problem lies in positive globalization of science and education. Instead of imposing Western models of thought, education systems should be created that consider local needs and traditions. If every social group had equal access to high-quality education, the perceived differences between “stupidity” and “intelligence” would disappear.

Access to knowledge and science has the power to level the playing field, but as long as educational systems remain unequal, both traditional and “reverse” racism will persist.

Conclusion: Let’s Plant the Seed of Doubt

Do differences between races really exist? Are some groups naturally “smarter” or “dumber”? The history of ancient civilizations and today’s reality show us that it’s access to education, knowledge, and resources that shapes the differences between groups. Racism, both traditional and “reverse,” is based on ignorance and fear of what is new and unknown. It’s time to start questioning the dogmas that have shaped our beliefs so far.