[throwawayqdhd]

Mozart was writing symphonies by this age. Prodigies exist in every field.

Is there a geographical bias in your skepticism? Would you be as skeptical if this kid was from Norway or Sweden or Austria?

[xtrapolate]

> "Is there a geographical bias in your skepticism? Would you be as skeptical if this kid was from Norway or Sweden or Austria?"

Nothing in the parent comment implies a so-called "geographical bias", yet there you are accusing them of being racist.

[coldtea]

"Implies" means it doesn't have to be spelt out -- it can linger below the surface.

And whether implied or not, it's a legitimate question to ask. E.g. if the kid was asian would as many have the same suspicion given the same evidence (or lack thereof)?

[throwawayqdhd]

Look at everyone in these replies pretending to be race blind. If this kid was Asian, you'd just go "eh, Asian prodigies" and not give it any further attention.

[carlmr]

I have the same feeling here. Although I think it's true that scrutiny is advised in all cases, I don't think I've seen such a critical comment section before.

[nkrisc]

> Would you be as skeptical if this kid was from Norway or Sweden or Austria?

Yes, I would be. I'm sure many people would still be skeptical.

[frockington]

> Prodigies exist in every field As proof you mentioned Mozart who two centuries ago in Europe. I am skeptical on a geographical and time level based on your evidence

[drcode]

What a horrible comment... I hope you're just having a bad morning and will feel guilty about it after you've had your morning coffee :-)

[coldtea]

Because everybody is a good soul, and can't possible have a racial bias?

Or what's more, because somebody can not be racist and still have a racial bias?

[djtriptych]

It's way safer to assume that everyone DOES have a racial bias. That's what our best methods and data support.

[ihsw2]

There's nothing wrong with having a geographic bias in skepticism, Nigeria is not a historical source of innovation.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, if anything it elevates this boy's achievements even more and puts his talents in the realm of once-in-a-thousand-generations.