Anti-racists
The democratic struggles of the last two hundred years have slowly discredited the idea that the biological characteristics of a person should determine their rights in society. But this odious idea has regrouped around the concept that biological humanness itself is the basis for rights. This is the central point of contention between transhumanists and the “human-racist” bioconservatives.
The addressed in the World Transhumanist Association’s FAQ:
…transhumanism advocates the well-being of all sentience, whether in artificial intellects, humans, non-human animals or possible extraterrestrial species. Racism, sexism, speciesism, belligerent nationalism and religious intolerance are unacceptable. In addition to the usual grounds for finding such practices morally objectionable, there is an additional specifically transhumanist motivation for this. In order to prepare a time when the human species may start branching out in various directions, we need to start now to strongly encourage the development of moral sentiments that are broad enough encompass within the sphere of moral concern sentiences that are different from current selves. We can go beyond mere tolerance to actively encouraging people who experiment with nonstandard life-styles, because by facing up to prejudices they ultimately expand the range of choices available to others. And we may all delight in the richness and diversity of life to which such individuals disproportionately contribute simply by being who they are.” (Bostrom, 2001)
Transhumanists are in solidarity with all those oppressed because of their bodies. A world tolerant of transhuman diversity is best assured by expanding the bounds of tolerance and equality to include the full sexual, cultural, and racial diversity of already existing human beings. Racism in all forms, including specieist human-racism, must be opposed.
Transhumanist Anti-Racism
- WTA Statement on Racialism (Adopted: Feb 25, 2002) Any and all doctrines of racial or ethnic supremacy/inferiority are incompatible with the fundamental tolerance and humanist roots of transhumanism. Organizations advocating such doctrines or beliefs are not transhumanist, and are unwelcome as affiliates of the WTA.
- “Do transhumanists advocate eugenics?” Transhumanist FAQ 2.1
- The Next Great Threat to Oppression and Inequality: Transhumanism...is the logical next step for civil liberties,” by George Dvorsky - 10/10/2002- Betterhumans
- “Saving Human Rights from the Human-racists” James Hughes, Betterhumans, June 21, 2003
The Anti-Racist Movement
- Anti-Racist Action Network A global network of anti-fascist activists.
Bioconservative Arguments Against the Right to Human Enhancement Technologies for People of Color