Does social identity theory adequately explain racial discrimination?

[SmokeOnTheWater]

And other forms of intergroup discrimination too?

This comes partly out of Rah's thread, and also from a post on SF about SIT. Here's a brief overview of the subject;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_identity

So, any thoughts?

[The Enchanted Platypus]

Originally Posted by SmokeOnTheWater

And other forms of intergroup discrimination too?

This comes partly out of Rah's thread, and also from a post on SF about SIT. Here's a brief overview of the subject;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_identity

So, any thoughts?

Its funny that you say that, because I encountered that very concept when I posted the thread.

I think SIT explains the basis of every single war. Without exception.

The stronger the sense of ethno/social identity, the stronger the disdain of other groups. Or at least the stronger the divisive measures.

Thats why I think ethnocentric israelis are just as part as the problem, as the religious-centric arabs.

The problem of division is in language and the concepts that we hold, and not in some genetically programmed ethnicities.

Ethnicities are micro-ideologies, believed by the masses to give people meaning and significance. Ultimately, useless, yet highly dangerous.

[SmokeOnTheWater]

Fair point, but might not racial and cultural identities be defensive as well as offensive? American blacks would probably tell you that they're race conscious because they've had to band together racially to protect themselves against Whitey - maybe you've never had that experience, as I must admit I haven't. ("Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud!" James Brown.)

Jews who've seen their population worldwide diminish by a third over the course of a century and become Zionists as a result are another example.

[Y_I_Otter]

Originally Posted by SmokeOnTheWater

("Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud!" James Brown.)

"Say it low; I'm black and I'm po'" -- Mississippi Fred MacDowell

[SmokeOnTheWater]

Can't say I've heard of that one before Ott

[The Enchanted Platypus]

Originally Posted by SmokeOnTheWater

Fair point, but might not racial and cultural identities be defensive as well as offensive? American blacks would probably tell you that they're race conscious because they've had to band together racially to protect themselves against Whitey - maybe you've never had that experience, as I must admit I haven't. ("Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud!" James Brown.)

Jews who've seen their population worldwide diminish by a third over the course of a century and become Zionists as a result are another example.

Good point. Its rather difficult and unwise for me to speak about the downtrodden. Fear does have the effect of social contraction, whereas the more persecuted you are the stronger the suspicions and distrust of the 'other'.

However, there comes a time, when you need to break away from collective mentality and move on. Millions of people born generations after past atrocities are acting as if they are the victims. With that kind of mentality, you demean and demoralize yourself.

[SmokeOnTheWater]

I know, and as I've said before on here it probably comes down to the "Prisoner's Dilemma" effect. Overriding race and ethnicity is probably better all round as long as everybody's doing it; when only one group is, though, they put themselves at a disadvantage compared to others who make decisions based on a preference for those of their own race and ethnicity.