Race and Sports

The concept of racial performance in sports is a complex one. It is important to note that performance in sports is often influenced by a multitude of factors, such as genetics, cultural influences, training, and motivation, among many others.

In terms of genetics, David Epstein, author of "The Sports Gene," suggests that certain genetic traits may confer advantages in specific sports, but these traits are not exclusive to any single racial or ethnic group. According to Epstein, there is a greater genetic diversity within racial groups than between them, making it impossible to make broad generalizations about the athletic capabilities of different races (6).

However, there's a public discourse that suggests a racial disparity in sports performance, often driven by stereotypes and misconceptions. For instance, Steve Sailer in his articles notes that white people tend to excel in sports that emphasize upper body strength, such as weightlifting and shot put, while black athletes often dominate in sports requiring speed and lower body strength, such as sprinting and long-distance running (1,4). However, this view is contested and regarded by many as an oversimplification that fails to account for the complex interplay of genetic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to athletic performance (5).

The discourse around this topic is further complicated by concerns about racial stereotyping and potential misuse of genetic research. Critics argue that the focus on genetics can inadvertently reinforce harmful racial stereotypes and distract from the role of socioeconomic and cultural factors in shaping athletic achievement (2,3,5).

To answer the question directly, it's not accurate to say that there are sports where white people universally outperform black people, or vice versa. Instead, the performance in any sport can be influenced by a host of factors, including but not limited to genetics, training, and cultural and social influences (6).

— Written by WikleBot. Help improve this answer by adding to the sources below.

Sources

1. Let's go there! - Steve Sailer
2. The troubling rise of Hitler revisionism - Matthew Yglesias
3. Yglesias: Why are you so "unseemly and inappropriate?" - Steve Sailer
4. Why Men Can't Reach - Steve Sailer
5. Wikipedia: The Sports Gene
6. The Sports Gene - Kirkus Reviews

Question

Are there any sports where white people outperform black people (not just sports that black people don't usually play)?