Reply to 2 Discussions 1 paragraph each. Prior to this class, I was aware that t
ID: 3454046 • Letter: R
Question
Reply to 2 Discussions 1 paragraph each.
Prior to this class, I was aware that there was a Eugenics movement in the United States only because I had a previous class discuss this as well. I feel the reason why this movement happened was partly due to the fact that, during the early 1900’s, we still had little knowledge of how genetics worked but were very ready to blame it for people’s misfortunes and actions and fear it for the idea that it may “spread” to the majority of our population. An example of this can be found from our readings: The officials at the Virginia Colony claimed that Carrie inherited her mother's trait of feeblemindedness and sexual promiscuity. They also claimed that Carrie's infant daughter, Vivian, was also “feebleminded.” Based upon these so-called facts, arrangements were made to sterilize Carrie under the Virginia Statute for Eugenical Sterilization. (Scully, 2008) Science now has shown that genes do not work in that manner whatsoever and even if they did, I feel that humans do not have the right to bar another human’s unalienable rights on the grounds of producing a “bad seed”. As for the present, due to our country having certain appointed public officials openly mock and insult those with disabilities, unfortunately, I can see this happening again if we are not careful and if we don’t stand up against such an injustice. Scully, J. A. M. (2008). Eugenics. In D. S. Tanenhaus (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the Supreme Court of the United States (Vol. 2, pp. 141-145). Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/apps/doc/CX3241200333/GVRL?u=umd_umuc&sid=GVRL&xid=55a572f6
Ambria Grooms
I was not aware of the Eugenics movement in this country. Also I am appalled that we learned about the Nazi genocide (The Holocaust) in middle school and high school but never discussed the Eugenics movement in the United States. In addition, I think this movement was possible in this country without wide spread outrage because it appealed to the people who thought they were superior over others because of certain characteristics they possessed. Also I think most people liked the idea of having a perfect society where inferior individuals were not included. According to Scully (2008), eugenics was widely supported in movies, magazines, and journals and by philanthropic foundations and America's most progressive figures. In addition, based on people not having the scientific knowledge and understanding of genetics that they have today, the idea of eugenics created a form of groupthink. According to Psychology Today, “groupthink occurs when a group values harmony and coherence over accurate analysis and critical evaluation”. Also “it causes individual members of the group to unquestioningly follow the word of the leader and it strongly discourages any disagreement with the consensus” (Psychology Today, n.d.). Furthermore, I do not think something like this would happen again in this country because we have more knowledgeable, open-minded, and opinionated individuals who fight for what they believe in. Also I think it would be very difficult to pass laws that support eugenics based on this. References: Psychology Today. (n.d.). Groupthink. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/groupthink Scully, J. A. M. (2008). Eugenics. In D. S. Tanenhaus (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the Supreme Court of the United States (Vol. 2, pp. 141-145). Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA. Retrieved from http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.umuc.edu/apps/doc/CX3241200333/GVRL?u=umd_umuc&sid=GVRL&xid=55a572f6
Explanation / Answer
1. My knowledge of a Eugenics movement in the United States was also limited before this class. I had previously read about the history of intelligence testing, where reserach demonstrated that IQ was linked to certain races and therefore supported Eugenics by asserting that the Whites were naturally superior to the others. However, this view was later met with much critique as it was identified that intelligence testing itself is biased such that it favours the culture in which it is developed, and thus allows the Whites to score much higher than others. Today, we have moved to a more nuanced understanding of individual traits and variables and we realise that genetics and environment both influence their expression.
2. It is indeed appalling that the atrocities of the Holocaust are openly condemned but the Eugenics movement is hardly given any attention in our curriculum. Perhaps the need for a homogeneous society comprising of individuals with superior characteristics drove the movement as Blacks were clearly identified as the slave population in the past with limited intellectual skills and abilities. Today, however, the diversity of cultures that can be found in the country is remarkable and there is a push towards equal recognition of all. I agree that passing laws in favour of Eugenics seems highly improbable in his day and age.