The Roots of Eugenics in America

My friend J often asserts that America’s racial hierarchy is fundamentally linked to eugenics. This connection struck a chord with me after attending several conferences dedicated to the topic. Eugenics, as J pointed out, holds the key to understanding these societal structures. Although I initially lacked in-depth knowledge on the subject, I committed to educating myself further through reading and attending additional discussions.

Eugenics is defined by Wikipedia as:

“a collection of beliefs and practices aimed at enhancing the genetic quality of a human population, historically by excluding individuals and groups deemed inferior while promoting those considered superior. Recently, the term has resurfaced in bioethical debates concerning new technologies such as CRISPR and genetic screening, sparking intense discussions on whether these practices should be classified as eugenics.”

Sir Francis Galton, who coined the term “eugenics,” is among the sources cited in this definition. Regarded as a polymath, Galton’s writings continue to exert significant influence. He strongly advocated for societal improvement through selective breeding, leading to many morally reprehensible applications of his theories.

The consequences of eugenics were dire, resulting in various injustices in American society and beyond. Europeans exploited this theory to justify their dominance over other races, rooted in a social construct—race. Historical atrocities include the forced sterilization of African American men, the sterilization of women of color, miscegenation laws, racial segregation, and genocidal policies, all perpetuating white supremacy.

A notable Supreme Court case, Buck v. Bell in 1927, upheld the forced sterilization of marginalized individuals, resulting in thousands of procedures on poor, disabled, and women of color. Carrie Buck, a victim of rape by a relative, fought against Virgini