> once we start thinking that one is better than the other, we get hierarchy, and we get superiority
Words like "better," "hierarchy," and "superiority" do not imply each other or follow from words like "different." I don't think the Irish are any worse (or less deserving of respect) than Kenyans because they're slower in a foot race. I can acknowledge the difference without accepting any of the value judgements you seem to think are inevitable.
We're almost certainly going to discover less palatable differences between races -- e.g. around intelligence. And the grandparent is right: you'd better be ready with a philosophy that accepts that reality on its own terms.
Words like "better," "hierarchy," and "superiority" do not imply each other or follow from words like "different." I don't think the Irish are any worse (or less deserving of respect) than Kenyans because they're slower in a foot race. I can acknowledge the difference without accepting any of the value judgements you seem to think are inevitable.
We're almost certainly going to discover less palatable differences between races -- e.g. around intelligence. And the grandparent is right: you'd better be ready with a philosophy that accepts that reality on its own terms.