Eugenics Movement

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Intelligence testing was the most memorable concept for me, specifically the Eugenics Movement in the United States. It was shocking to see that this movement was supported, and even facilitated by the United States government. This was an attempt to improve our "genetic stock". Two possible approaches; encourage those with good genes to reproduce or discourage those with bad genes. The US chose to do the latter. Low IQ individuals were told they were getting their appendix removed and instead were sterilized.
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This was eye-opening material, even though it was only a small part of our textbook. Throughout schooling we learn about the triumphs of the U.S.A.; defeating the Nazis (who had a eugenics movement also), out competing the Russians, ending slavery, etc. Rarely did we hear about defeats/scandals; the Bay of Pigs, Vietnam War. Even rarer is learning about evil actions by our government on its own citizens. A shocking detail was the state of Virginia being the last to repeal the law allowing for these sterilizations...in 1974. That is very recent history; Not recent enough? Then click here to read an article that says a form of the eugenics movement may be occurring today via abortions.

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I also was shocked at learning about the eugenics movement. But, I think its important to note that the U.S. government does not want to brag about all the wrong things its done in the past. Government officials, no matter how long ago it was, do not want to shine a bad light on their past actions. Its far easier to repeat the good one's done, than to critically analyze and admit one's mistakes.

Also, the article you link to in your post is fascinating! Its almost not hard to believe that some parents would abort their children with down-syndrome, when just a few decades ago people were openly supporting the eugenics movement.

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This page contains a single entry by mehdi006 published on April 26, 2012 8:55 PM.

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