The View from the Oreo's Creamy Center

Wow. What the hell is wrong with brown people? :)

As a white American dude, I find culture differences of the sort we're discussing here interesting. I think it's because, as a white American dude, I don't have a culture. Thank you, Sam Walton!

No really, the only people who think of "caucasian" as a cultural identity tend to be white supremacists. From where I sit, that's not as true with Indians, or black people, or pretty much any other group that can be appended with "-American." I hope I'm not generalizing offensively here. Just in case, I'll explain.

Saris. Women of Indian origin who have lived all their lives in America, who don't speak a word of Hindi, and who don't know an ashram from an Arby's -- lots of them own saris. Not to go jogging in, not to go to work in. For formal Indian functions. We white Americans don't have that sort of cultural ritual. You don't see caucasian women going to caucasian weddings wearing viking outfits.

That's a little simplistic, but the members of the non-caucasian groups we're talking about identify themselves as part of those groups in a way white folks don't. Except maybe Jesse Helms.

What does this mean for skepticism? Maybe nothing. But maybe it means that there is a little more to overcome when trying to debunk a chiropractor or an astrologer. If belief in those things is part of a cultural identity, or even a family tradition, there is more inertia to overcome. When you come from a strong culture, there are more things in that culture you take for granted and don't think to question. If your cultural identity lacks such things, there are fewer external forces encouraging belief.

(The game changes a little when you're talking specifically about religion. In America these days, evangelism and fundamentalism is as alive among white people as it is anywhere.)

An insular culture works both ways. If the skeptical movement is driven from somewhere outside, it's going to take a lot longer to get in. That's why we need you guys as double-agents :)
Of course, I'm speaking as an outside observer who might have faulty data. I'm hoping you guys can help with that part :)