According to Wikipedia:
Eugenics is the study and practice of selective breeding applied to humans, with the aim of improving the species. In a historical and broader sense, eugenics can also be a study of "improving human genetic qualities." Advocates of eugenics sought to counter what they regarded as dysgenic dynamics within the human gene pool, specifically in regard to congenital disorders and factors relating to the heritability of IQ. Widely popular in the early decades of the 20th century, it has largely fallen into disrepute after having become associated with Nazi Germany.
It was actually much more common among the educated in America before WWII than you probably think, and is somewhat having an upswing in modern times with sterilization.
The other information that I want to give is about the background of the story. It was written in 1895 and was a look 25 years into the future, when the first government lethal chamber had opened. Essentially a public gas chamber, it was argued back and forth as to whether lethal chambers were necessary to eugenics. Obviously this never happened, but it is an interesting take.
See you all tomorrow!
Posts
Thanks Daniel. I'll admit that story did throw me off a bit. I had looked stuff up on it too (hoping to figure out what this guy was into)
ReplyDeleteVery helpful info. So is this story focusing on the mental health aspect of eugenics? Where mentally unstable people can now commit suicide instead of continuing to live their life increasing the chance they will reproduce.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the author was interested in eugenics, as were many of the time. However, our (arguably) mentally insane narrator never tries to commit suicide himself. It does weave together the possibility of eugenicide (is that a word? Well, it is now!) towards the mentally insane obliquely.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you'll get this in time, but I hope you found something about the cat. I mean what is going on with that guy and the cat??
ReplyDeleteGood question. I really have no clue, maybe Andy can shed some light on the subject?
ReplyDeleteDaniel, why do you say eugenics "is somewhat having an upswing in modern times with sterilization"? Could you elaborate?
ReplyDeleteIt is not too very common, but it is possible for women in Alabama in a certain income bracket to receive free birth control, exams, and even sterilization if they so chose through Medicaid. I have completely forgotten the original reason I said that, but that is one reason. A little quick research also found that some nonprofs pay for people in Africa who wish to be sterilized.
ReplyDelete