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I found this article another gem from the numerous gems concerning Russell. I feel I must point out, as a fully paid up 'fan' of Russell's, and because people h

I found this article another gem from the numerous gems concerning Russell. I feel I must point out, as a fully paid up 'fan' of Russell's, and because people here have mentioned 'principles', he misstepped on race, perhaps (kindly) an indication of the sheer engrained blanket racism still prevalent in the world throughout the 20th century. For those evermore curious... https://studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/interview-bertrand-russell-and-phyllis-evans-part-1 https://studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/interview-bertrand-rus...

simiones 6y ago
Can you point out a specific example of racism in that interview? I haven't looked through it entirely, but searching for some common terms that I expect someone to use when showing some racism ("race", "racism", "black", "intelligence", "asian", "brown") I couldn't find anything (he does mention Black men once, but only in a hypothetical reaction he expects the general public to have, one that he criticizes). The interview is relatively long though, and searching for those words is not a sufficient indication, so I am curious.
- IndySun 6y ago
  No contentious race or eugenic topics are brought up in that interview. It was just for the curious... I have looked, and I have yet to find serious recorded mentions of Russell on these topics, only transcripts, letters, etc..
  - mellosouls 6y ago
    You misspoke then? It would be useful to clarify as you've essentially just accused him of racism and its not clear that you acknowledge that accusation was incorrect or at least unevidenced here.
    - IndySun 6y ago
      Not at all. Anyone with a passing interest would be aware. As I stated, as the gist of the early posts mentioned Russell being a man of principles, it is always worth reminding ourselves no one is perfect. NB I now see the wording of my post could be read as 'here is a post concerning race'. But I should have separated the first line from the rest of the post; the 'gem' I was referring to was the original post.
      - bolzano 6y ago
        Dude, you basically called Russell a racist and when you got called out on it, you didn't retract. Please have the decency to retract or provide some kind of source for your claims. I don't recall anything I've read of Russell showing any element of racism or sympathy towards it.
        IndySun 6y ago
        Russell's eugenics notes are very well known. Read my posts again, what you are accusing me of is utterly missing - I'm insulted, however I will not be making any threats to those ignorant of history.
        mellosouls 6y ago
        "Read my posts again, what you are accusing me of is utterly missing" he misstepped on race, perhaps (kindly) an indication of the sheer engrained blanket racism still prevalent
        IndySun 6y ago
        My stating Russell flirted with eugenics need not be apologised for. Are you saying I am wrong, and that Russell did not show an interest? Given the current toxic 'quick to judge' forum behaviour on the internet, it is almost certain a latter-day Russell would not have been allowed to continue his work and thoughts in public, as your mischaracterisation of my post shows.

simiones 6y ago

Can you point out a specific example of racism in that interview? I haven't looked through it entirely, but searching for some common terms that I expect someone to use when showing some racism ("race", "racism", "black", "intelligence", "asian", "brown") I couldn't find anything (he does mention Black men once, but only in a hypothetical reaction he expects the general public to have, one that he criticizes). The interview is relatively long though, and searching for those words is not a sufficient indication, so I am curious.

IndySun 6y ago
No contentious race or eugenic topics are brought up in that interview. It was just for the curious... I have looked, and I have yet to find serious recorded mentions of Russell on these topics, only transcripts, letters, etc..
- mellosouls 6y ago
  You misspoke then? It would be useful to clarify as you've essentially just accused him of racism and its not clear that you acknowledge that accusation was incorrect or at least unevidenced here.
  - IndySun 6y ago
    Not at all. Anyone with a passing interest would be aware. As I stated, as the gist of the early posts mentioned Russell being a man of principles, it is always worth reminding ourselves no one is perfect. NB I now see the wording of my post could be read as 'here is a post concerning race'. But I should have separated the first line from the rest of the post; the 'gem' I was referring to was the original post.
    - bolzano 6y ago
      Dude, you basically called Russell a racist and when you got called out on it, you didn't retract. Please have the decency to retract or provide some kind of source for your claims. I don't recall anything I've read of Russell showing any element of racism or sympathy towards it.
      - IndySun 6y ago
        Russell's eugenics notes are very well known. Read my posts again, what you are accusing me of is utterly missing - I'm insulted, however I will not be making any threats to those ignorant of history.
        mellosouls 6y ago
        "Read my posts again, what you are accusing me of is utterly missing" he misstepped on race, perhaps (kindly) an indication of the sheer engrained blanket racism still prevalent
        IndySun 6y ago
        My stating Russell flirted with eugenics need not be apologised for. Are you saying I am wrong, and that Russell did not show an interest? Given the current toxic 'quick to judge' forum behaviour on the internet, it is almost certain a latter-day Russell would not have been allowed to continue his work and thoughts in public, as your mischaracterisation of my post shows.