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Logan Sampaio
Mrs. Crist
English IV
8th October, 2015
Issue Research Paper [Eugenics; Its History and Influence]
Is it malcontent to seek the elimination genetic anomalies that are detrimental to ones
health and to see the promotion of traits that would benefit mankind or ones self? Eugenics, a
field considered to be founded by Sir Francis Galton, a science devoted to improving the quality
of human genetics via selective breeding (Martinez 1), sought to do just that, however its goals
would dilute to cause the exclusion of immigrants from countries perceived as lesser (Chen 3).
During the early 20th century the eugenics movement had grown strong, heavily influencing
American immigration policy and several state laws regarding sterilization and miscegenation
(Chen 1). Not only had the United States fallen under the influence of eugenics, Nazi Germany
had come under its persuasion as well, creating policies that would work to cull and genocide
those with inferior traits (Martinez 1). Even in the modern day eugenics has had a profound
impact on the superhero genre, with both Superman and Batman seeming to develop from
previously eugenic literature (Gavaler 15). Ironically, eugenics and the mere rhetoric has
influenced a great deal of the world even without the continuation of its practices. Although
eugenics has oft become a subject of disdain, it should not be viewed so vehemently in such a
negative light as it has shaped modern culture whether for the better or the worse.
The foundation of Eugenics begins with Sir Francis Galton, an aristocratic inventor,
statistician, and cousin of Darwin, became one of the primary promoters of such quantification.

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Obsessed with mathematical analysis, Galton measured everything from physiology and reaction
times to boredom, the efficacy of prayer, and the beauty of women. He was particularly
interested in the differences between human races. Galton eventually founded the field of
biometry by applying statistics to biological problems (Martinez 1). Galton eventually spawned
the ideas of positive eugenics, the concept of breeding superior qualities and preserving them,
and negative eugenics, the eradication of the poorer qualities or discouragement of these traits
being able to be propagated to a new generation. The initial basis for these concepts seems to
come from the conclusion that social aid and similar programs would eventually create an
environment in which those of lesser traits could be successful enough to breed rampantly,
imparting their defects onto the next generation (Martinez 1). Later, Galtons pupil Karl Pearson
would express that through the negative eugenic management of society, one could prevent
genetic erosion and ensure the status of intelligent rulers. Karl Pearson, however, would later be
dismissed by colleagues who would go on to keep the British Eugenic Society focused on
positive eugenics and the improvement of the superior (Martinez 1). This would not be the last of
negative eugenics, as it would go on to become prevalent early on in the 20th century in both the
United States of America and Nazi Germany.
In the good ole United States, eugenicists such as Harvard embryologist Charles
Davenport and others embarked on a mission of meshing early genetics with the eugenics
movement. In his effort, Davenport created the Laboratory for Experimental Evolution at Cold
Springs Harbor, New York. The laboratory was closely linked to his Eugenics Record Office
(ERO), which he established in 1910. Davenport raised much of the money for these facilities by
appealing to wealthy American families who feared unrestricted immigration and race
degeneration. Though their wealth depended on the availability of cheap labor guaranteed by

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immigration, these American aristocrats feared the cultural impact of a flood of inferior
immigrants (Martinez 1). And as these inferior immigrants came to the United States,
restrictions would begin to be imposed upon who could enter, based on a variety of otherwise
minute details. This includes things such as physical traits, cranial size, scores on an IQ test, and
many other cutting edge empirical techniques (Chen 74). Along with these limitations on the
immigration, other laws and policies were put into place to keep the superior qualities of the
white race from entangling with other races, such practices included anti-miscegenation laws and
public segregation (Chen 76). During the progressive era, eugenics would remain as a binding
force for such diverse groups as biologists, sociologists, psychologists, militarists, pacifists,
socialists, communists, liberals, and conservatives. The progressive ideology, exemplified by
Theodore Roosevelts Progressive Party, sought the scientific management of all parts of
society (Martinez 1). Meanwhile, in Nazi Germany, the American movement would find fertile
ground in spurring forth more negative eugenics, culminating in genocide, forced sterilization,
and euthanasia (Martinez 1). After word of the horrors of National Socialism genocide and
fascism got out, eugenics would begin its decline and vilification (Chen 74).These would not be
the only effects of eugenics, as literature that featured eugenic concepts would go on to build its
own genre (Gavaler 195). Works that would be built and influenced by this genre include both
Superman and Batman, modern day titans of comic books (Gavaler 196).
It is thus that eugenics has given breath to the modern world, shaping and influencing
with its core ideals and tenets. Affirming that eugenics is not necessarily an invention of evil as
much as a gun or stick of dynamite, but rather defined by its user. Thusly it can be asserted that
eugenics does indeed have its place within the modern world, that it is not genocide and mass
murder but merely the desire to preserve genetic quality.

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Works Cited

Chen, Michelle. Fit for Citizenship? The Eugenics Movement and Immigration Policy. Dissent
(00123846) 62.2 (2015): 73. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 15 Sept. 2015
Gavaler, Chris. The Well-Born Superhero. Journal of American Culture 37.2 (2014): 182-197.
Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Sept. 2015
Martinez, Lee Anne, PhD. Eugenics. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health (2014): Research
Starters. Web. 14 Sept. 2015