- Warning - Some of the comments by author quoted in this book contain the term "negro". This term reflects the colonial context of the period. Today this term has unacceptable connotation, but we have chosen to retain it the quotations presented. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Jean Finot "was a recognized leader of those whose sympathies and social interests extended beyond the boundaries of their own race and nation. He set himself squarely against the rising tide of modern race theories. In this book, he seeks to show that these theories have no sound scientific basis. Point by point he examines the anthropological, psychological, and sociological data upon which such writers as De Gobineau, Chamberlain, and Lapouge have bases their contention that the white race is innately superior to all other races. Finot pleads his case brilliantly; it is a cause to which he is wholeheartedly devoted; he meets his opponents with a fire and vigor of expression fully equal to their own; he urges the claims of universal humanity as ardently as they espouse the cause of their chosen tribes. Underlying Finot's carefully constructed argument lies the belief "that it is often sufficient to breathe on the subjects of ours discord to see them vanish. The union of a few men of good will has succeeded in overcoming the stupidity of the theory of races and of age-long prejudice! For it is often enough not to believe certain conventional lies in order to render them nil and harmless." This belief in the ability of good will to overcome stupidity and prejudice: it is not dissolved by force of logic; it is illogical, unreasoning; knowing truth it holds to untruth. Therefore we call it prejudice. This persistent perversity of prejudice makes it a most baffling form of human behavior. We cannot banish it by breathing on it, nor by taking thought, nor by deprecating or abusing it. Its roots lie too deeply within our nature. Accommodation to another race is not easy and occurs only where conditions are favorable, such as comparatively slow rate of penetration and absence of active economic competition. Assimilation of another race rarely occurs; this requires intermarriage, a relation which brings into direct contrast those physical differences which symbolize race and touch off the ancient prejudices, but more important, involves the surrender of important property rights and the loss of superior economic and social status. High ideals of racial equality and inter-racial good will are not sufficient to offset these powerful, dominating life-interests of racial groups. Racial amity will most probably result from the development of forms of social organization in which these interests are preserved. How may this be accomplished?" [Erle Fiske Young]