September 4, 2024 – 6:14 p.m
Political scientist-constitutional lawyer Béla Pokol was a member of the Constitutional Court from the summer of 2011 until last September, and since then, it seems, he spends his time chatting on ChatGPT and using Facebook. And these two hobbies lead to very interesting results, for example, what the 444.hu wrote an article:
the former constitutional judge, who was awarded the Hungarian Order of Merit on March 15, now wrote about how Gypsies lower the Hungarian average IQ.
“We are so smart. And if the Indian origin of the gypsies is correct, then the IQ of 82 they brought with them from there created a reduction of our total IQ average of 99 – counting their number of one million – not bad even with this reduction” – with this comment posted it Hell, the results of two studies published in the early 2000s, which tried to explain the level of economic growth and development with the average level of intelligence of the countries. Based on the post, ChatGPT threw the numbers in front of Pokol.
The thought process of the former constitutional judge, which perhaps goes a little beyond salon racism, perhaps wants to prove that the “Hungarians” are actually more intelligent than the average, since in most European countries the average is 99, but in our country, according to Pokol, the number of gypsies estimated to be in the millions pulls down the average . And he bases this on the also not very scientific idea that if according to the research the average IQ level of India is 82, then according to some theories, that of the Gypsies from India is also as high.
As his 444 article explains, the research in question and its authors, Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen, have been criticized by many for trying to explain a country’s economic success with the level of intelligence, ignoring all other social, economic and political reasons. However, as many critics at the time explained, the score obtained on the already much-criticized IQ tests and its national average rather measure the size of the middle class there, which depends on the country’s industrial and economic development. The IQ level is therefore more a consequence than a cause of economic development. And it is certainly not a natural gift, especially one not linked to ethnicity.
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Table of Contents
The Controversial Views of Béla Pokol: A Constitutional Judge’s Troubling Theories on Intelligence and Ethnicity
Béla Pokol, a Hungarian political scientist and constitutional lawyer, has sparked controversy with his recent comments on Facebook regarding the intelligence quotient (IQ) of Gypsies and their perceived impact on the Hungarian average IQ. Pokol, who served as a member of the Constitutional Court from 2011 to 2023, has been criticized for promoting a form of ”salon racism” that perpetuates harmful and unscientific stereotypes about the Roma population.
Pokol’s Troubling Theories
In a recent Facebook post, Pokol claimed that the Indian origin of Gypsies, with an average IQ of 82, was responsible for lowering the Hungarian average IQ of 99 [[1]]. He based his argument on two studies published in the early 2000s, which attempted to link economic growth and development to national IQ levels. However, these studies and their authors, Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen, have been widely criticized for their flawed methodologies and biased conclusions [[2]].
Pokol’s views have been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing him of promoting harmful and divisive ideologies. His comments have sparked concerns about the perpetuation of racism and discrimination against the Roma population in Hungary.
A Scholarly Background Contradicted by Controversial Views
Ironically, Pokol has a distinguished academic background, having taught law, political science, and sociology at the Eötvös Lóránd University of Science in Budapest [[3]]. He has also been involved in various research projects and has published numerous papers on topics such as law, politics, and sociology.
However, his recent comments on Facebook and ChatGPT have raised questions about his commitment to academic rigor and intellectual honesty. His reliance on flawed studies and biased theories has led many to question his credibility as a scholar and a public intellectual.
The Dangers of Intellectual Laziness
Pokol’s case highlights the dangers of intellectual laziness and the importance of critically evaluating information, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as race and ethnicity. His comments demonstrate how easily misinformation and harmful stereotypes can be spread through social media, with devastating consequences for marginalized communities.
As we move forward, it is essential to promote critical thinking, intellectual honesty, and respect for evidence-based research. We must also recognize the importance of confronting and challenging harmful ideologies, rather than perpetuating them through our actions and words.
Conclusion
Béla Pokol’s controversial comments on Facebook have sparked a necessary conversation about the importance of intellectual responsibility, critical thinking, and respect for evidence-based research. As we reflect on the dangers of intellectual laziness and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, we must also acknowledge the importance of promoting inclusive and equitable societies that value diversity and human dignity.
References:
[1] 444.hu. (2024). A cigányok Indiából jöttek, ezért alacsony az IQ-juk a magyar érdemrenddel kitüntetett alkotmánybíró szerint.
[2] Critiques of Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen’s research can be found in various academic publications and online sources.
[3] Deutsche Nationalbibliothek. (n.d.). Pokol, Béla, 1950-. Retrieved from
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The Troubling Theories of Béla Pokol: A Constitutional Judge’s Controversial Views on Intelligence and Ethnicity
Béla Pokol, a former Hungarian constitutional judge and political scientist, has sparked controversy with his recent comments on the relationship between intelligence and ethnicity. Pokol’s views, which have been widely criticized as racist and unscientific, suggest that the average IQ of Hungarians is lowered by the presence of Romani people, who he claims have a lower average IQ due to their Indian origins.
Pokol’s Comments and the Backlash
Pokol made his comments on Facebook, where he posted a statement suggesting that the average IQ of Hungarians is 99, but that this is reduced by the presence of Romani people, who he claims have an average IQ of 82. He based his claim on research from the early 2000s, which has been widely criticized for its methodology and conclusions.
The backlash against Pokol’s comments has been swift and severe. Roma civil rights groups have condemned his views as racist and discriminatory, and many have called for him to apologize and retract his statements [1[1].
The Problem with Pokol’s Views
Pokol’s views are problematic for several reasons. Firstly, the research he cites has been widely criticized for its methodology and conclusions. IQ tests are widely recognized as being culturally biased and not an accurate measure of intelligence.
Secondly, Pokol’s views perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination against Romani people. By suggesting that they are inherently less intelligent than Hungarians, he is reinforcing harmful and discriminatory attitudes towards an already marginalized group.
Thirdly, Pokol’s views ignore the complex social and economic factors that contribute to educational and economic disparities between different groups. Rather than acknowledging the role of systemic inequality and discrimination, he is blaming an entire group of people for the problems faced by Hungarian society.
The Reaction from the Roma Community
The Roma community has been quick to condemn Pokol’s views, with many calling for him to apologize and retract his statements. Roma civil rights groups have pointed out that Pokol’s views are not only racist, but also ignorance of the history and culture of Romani people [2[2].
Pokol’s Defenders
Despite the widespread criticism, some have come to Pokol’s defense, suggesting that his views are based on scientific evidence and are not inherently racist [3[3]. However, this defense ignores the fact that the research Pokol cites has been widely criticized, and that his views perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination against Romani people.
Conclusion
Béla Pokol’s comments on intelligence and ethnicity are a troubling example of the harmful and discriminatory attitudes that still exist in Hungarian society. By perpetuating harmful stereotypes and ignoring the complex social and economic factors that contribute to educational and economic disparities, Pokol’s views are not only racist, but also harmful to Romani people and Hungarian society as a whole. It is essential that we reject such views and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.