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EUGENICS
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Eugenics is usually associated with the Nazi campaign to purge the human gene pool, or with an abstract idea that will never work. What it actually is is the study of methods to improve the human race by controlling reproduction.
The Greek root word for Eugenics literally means Good Birth and one of the most common manifestations of Eugenics is planned parenthood, a method invented by Margaret Sanger. Planned Parenthood involves the matching of two intelligent people, who will in turn produce an intelligent child.
It has been shown that genetics does indeed affect intelligence. A recent study revealed that a certain gene was found to occur 50% more in intelligent children as compared to the children with average abilities. Genetically similar twins do have the same (or similar) IQ levels. Thus, eugenics, if applied to modern society, would indeed be effective.
Nevertheless, although Eugenics do have great benefits to offer society, it holds serious moral implications as well as societal side-effects. For one, most methods of Eugenics involve those assumed to be "less-intelligent" being deprived of the right to reproduce freely. Firstly, there is the obvious insinuation that a person is "less-intelligent". Stratification in society will only cause discord and disharmony. As such, though there would be an intelligent society they would be divided, unable to work together.
Also, Eugenics sets up any society for severe moral degradation. The forced relationship between two 'smart' people will cause tension and affect not just the parents, but (and to a larger degree) the child as well.
If the parents are forced to marry, many will eventually separate. If in today's society, where most make their own choices regarding marriage, divorce rates are rising, what more in a society where marriages are forced.
On the other hand, if parents are not forced to marry, the children's well-being is compromised, as they will either be left without parents or adopted into foster-homes. Either way, the presumably genius children will not have the kind of guidance a child in a proper home receives.
Eugenics will also place a significant amount of additional stress on the children born. These children will be expected to perform to the highest of expectations. Although the good genes from parents do affect the intelligence of a child, there are definitely exceptions. Not all children will be able to take the stress of such expectations.
Singapore's pro-eugenics policies, first instated in the 1980s under Lee Kuan Yew's government were revoked in favor of fairer policies that also contribute to the country's aim of reaching a population size of 6 million. I suppose it is a good thing that Singapore no longer supports an ideology that is sure to ruin a society quietly and insidiously.
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1:29 AM | link
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