Race and Tobacco

The article (July 8) concerning the differing effects of nicotine in blacks versus whites is another unfortunate example of racism in science. Studies are undertaken that would seem to show a difference between blacks and whites and it is assumed that the difference is caused by race. In fact, there is no scientific definition of race.

Unless researchers can define how they measured blackness and whiteness in a scientific manner, the whole study is suspect for bias. It would not be hard for some to expand the results of this study to conclude that blacks were somehow predisposed to addiction in general. These kinds of studies allow the larger society to point to minority groups’ genetics or behavior as the cause of poorer health and avoid the impact of continuing racism.

MIKE TAYLOR

Northridge