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Great article.

But it brings up a question...And one that might spurn resentment and flames. I hope not, it's an honest question...

This article clearly points-out that Israelis (Jews) are over-acheivers, as a group. Maybe even "Hard workers", as a group. Maybe even the "Smartest" group of people (Based on the higest level of college graduates). I could go on and on based on this article.

I can only assume these "Stereotypes" are acceptable because they are positive?

So, why aren't negative stereotypes of groups of people acceptable...If true, of course.

I'm sure my question can't be definiately answered here, and I don't mean to hijack this thread with it, but it's got me wondering...

Lies, damned lies, and statistics...

I think all data can be used in an inappropriate fashion... However, I have been told that one can believe or disbelieve stereotypes... The real question is whether you treat individuals with respect or do you not even give people a chance based on a perceived stereotype (positive or negative)... What you believe is up to you... It is the actions you take because of those beliefs...

Maybe even the "Smartest" group of people.

The interesting question is not if, but why. That is, was it environmental or genetic factors that created superior IQ? The case for environment is 2,000 years of oppression, including prohibitions against owning real estate. The net result was that Js were forced into city centers and non-capital intensive trades such as media, finance, retail, etc. - areas which they still exert significant influence.

On the other hand, the Js were one of the first to popularize the notion of a monolithic God around 5,000 yrs ago. This in itself could point to an early ability to sythensize complex philosophical concepts while the rest of the known civilized world was still attributing natural causes to individual dieties.

I myself lean more towards the environmental explanation. If over 40+ generations you periodically directed murder, theft, emmigration, etc at a specific targeted group, they would either (a) die out, or (b) become incredibly hardy with diverse survival skills.

So, why aren't negative stereotypes of groups of people acceptable...If true, of course.

No problem, Arabs have the highest per capita rate of terrorists. Islam is the only religion that teaches murder is pleasing to god and can get you into heaven. Want any more? -grin-