Eugenics
Eugenics is a "science" that deals with the improvement of genetics over time. This movement has impacted so many lives across the whole world. Today there are technologies that make it possible to alter one's genetics. I believe that eugenics is a way to discriminate people, not only because of their race and the color of their skin but also because of their past ancestors and whether they were good enough for society or if they can be successful in life back then.
In 1883, Sir Francis Galton (from Britain) first used the term eugenics meaning "well-born". Galton believed that this can direct the future of human race, by selecting "desired traits" in individuals. Galton studied pedigrees, on what they are and how they can be used significantly.
There is positive and negative eugenics. Positive eugenics is an increase in sexual reproduction for people with desired traits. And negative eugenics is to reduce the rates of production for people with undesirable traits.
Now, you are probably sitting there questioning to yourself what is "desired traits" and "undesired traits". Desired traits are the traits that everyone in the 1920's saw as high class. Traits like white, wealthy, healthy, good looking, speaks English, and intelligent. Undesired traits are traits that people in the 1920s didn't look up to or didn't see any good in. And those traits are being a minority race, poor, mentally ill, bad looking, criminals, unintelligent. The American eugenics society supported the idea that a system of arranged marriages between men of distinction and women of wealth would produce a gifted race. This means that if a man and women with desired traits have a child, their child would be good in everything it does in life and could help Americas society increase. The American Eugenics Society (AES) also supported sterilization for the mentally ill. They thought that if a mentally ill person would have a child, the child would do no good for America. Sterilization is a medical procedure and it's the ability to destroy the way (for an animal or human) to reproduce by removing the sex organs or inhibiting their functions. The AES also supported the limitation on immigration. Sterilization still happens today. But there are different forms of it like birth control, tying a women's tubes, or even a hysterectomy.
How did American start supporting the movement on eugenics when the term was first used in Britain?
Eugenics is a terrible way to discriminate people from the lower and the higher class. This movement really impacted the way of life in America. What would've happened if the term Eugenics was never brought to America? I believe that the population would be larger and the way of life for Americans would be different.
In 1883, Sir Francis Galton (from Britain) first used the term eugenics meaning "well-born". Galton believed that this can direct the future of human race, by selecting "desired traits" in individuals. Galton studied pedigrees, on what they are and how they can be used significantly.
There is positive and negative eugenics. Positive eugenics is an increase in sexual reproduction for people with desired traits. And negative eugenics is to reduce the rates of production for people with undesirable traits.
Now, you are probably sitting there questioning to yourself what is "desired traits" and "undesired traits". Desired traits are the traits that everyone in the 1920's saw as high class. Traits like white, wealthy, healthy, good looking, speaks English, and intelligent. Undesired traits are traits that people in the 1920s didn't look up to or didn't see any good in. And those traits are being a minority race, poor, mentally ill, bad looking, criminals, unintelligent. The American eugenics society supported the idea that a system of arranged marriages between men of distinction and women of wealth would produce a gifted race. This means that if a man and women with desired traits have a child, their child would be good in everything it does in life and could help Americas society increase. The American Eugenics Society (AES) also supported sterilization for the mentally ill. They thought that if a mentally ill person would have a child, the child would do no good for America. Sterilization is a medical procedure and it's the ability to destroy the way (for an animal or human) to reproduce by removing the sex organs or inhibiting their functions. The AES also supported the limitation on immigration. Sterilization still happens today. But there are different forms of it like birth control, tying a women's tubes, or even a hysterectomy.
How did American start supporting the movement on eugenics when the term was first used in Britain?
Eugenics is a terrible way to discriminate people from the lower and the higher class. This movement really impacted the way of life in America. What would've happened if the term Eugenics was never brought to America? I believe that the population would be larger and the way of life for Americans would be different.
ReplyDeleteAmerica really shouldn't have even considered eugenics in the first place, just because someone doesn't look the way you like, doesn't mean they're worthless. It's was really sad that couple with "undesirable traits" that had dreamed of raising a child, weren't allowed to have children due to a system based entirely on a subjective quota that you had to meet, it was disgusting.
If eugenics were never brought to America in the first place, I think that the different races and social classes today would be much more intertwined, I'm not saying that it didn't eventually happen but I just think it would have happened much sooner. There would be a lot more diversity in the country, and because of that, there would be more relationship options, therefore biracial marriages/relationships would have come into fruition much sooner, and the amount of overall prejudice would have decreased faster.
For example the KKK:
1. Wouldn't have nearly as many members because the number of pure white people would be much lower.
2. Would have had much more opposition from minorities.
Honestly Eugenics was not one of America's best moves.
I agree with your critical thought, especially when you talked about if America never brought up eugenics. If eugenics wasn't brought up then minorities wouldn't feel like they are different. I completely agree with your whole comment. I think its good that you made a point about biracial marriages and relationships and that really shows your thought into my blog. Do you really think that Americas idea to bring the term eugenics put a pause on Americas progress to equality?
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