The resurgence of eugenics in the United States, highlighted by former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on undocumented immigrants, is a troubling trend that experts are warning against. Trump’s comments about immigrants “poisoning the blood of our country” and attributing criminal behavior to “bad genes” are reminiscent of eugenic thinking that seeks to eliminate certain groups based on genetic superiority.
The eugenics movement, which gained popularity in the early 20th century before the Holocaust quelled public support, is making a comeback through the rise of race science in academic literature and the funding of research by private donors. This trend is fueled by the promotion of genetic determinism, the idea that genes are the primary driver of traits and behaviors, and the platforming of problematic work in the name of academic freedom.
Experts like Paul Lombardo, a law professor at Georgia State University, are concerned about the blatant promotion of eugenic ideas in public discourse. Trump’s embrace of eugenic thinking, according to political scientist Shannon O’Brien, goes beyond racism to the point of advocating for policies like forced sterilization and extermination of certain groups.
Trump’s history of statements suggesting genetic superiority, such as his belief in “racehorse theory” and his claims of inherited intelligence, reflect a long-standing belief in genetics dating back to Francis Galton’s development of eugenics in the 19th century. The sequencing of the human genome in the 1990s further fueled eugenic ideas by suggesting that genes could be isolated to determine complex behaviors like intelligence and criminality.
However, the hope that sequencing the genome would dispel notions of genetic differences between groups has not materialized. Geneticists and popular genetic testing companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com have perpetuated the idea of genetic determinism, leading to a resurgence in discussions about the genetic basis of intelligence and race in academic circles.
The push to make science more public has also led to the promotion of ideas that intelligence is genetic and that race has a biological basis. This shift in discourse, coupled with the funding of race science research, poses a significant threat to marginalized groups and underscores the need for vigilance against the dangerous ideas of eugenics.
Overall, the spread of biased and flawed research on race, ethnicity, and genetics highlights the importance of rigorous scientific standards and ethical considerations in academia. It also underscores the need for researchers to be aware of how their work can be misused and misrepresented by those with harmful agendas. By engaging critically with the history of eugenics and the societal implications of their research, scientists can work towards a more equitable and just future for all.
In the realm of genetics and biology, new paradigms are emerging that challenge the traditional belief that genes are solely responsible for determining an individual’s abilities and behaviors. According to Panofsky, these paradigms suggest that genes are not always in control, but rather interact with various other factors in a complex way. This opens up a new understanding of genetics, moving towards a post-deterministic perspective.
However, despite these advancements, the field has not fully shifted away from the idea that genes are the primary influencers of human traits. This mindset can unintentionally perpetuate harmful rhetoric, such as the kind used by Trump in reference to immigrants. While the United States may have moved past its eugenicist past, the underlying ideas have not been fully confronted and debunked.
Michele Goodwin, a professor of constitutional law and global health, highlights the thin and weak presumption that society has eradicated these harmful beliefs. Over a century ago, eugenicist Harry Laughlin testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, advocating for the restriction of certain immigrants based on their perceived genetic traits. Shockingly, his arguments still resonate today in some circles.
It is crucial for society to acknowledge and address these lingering eugenicist beliefs. By embracing a more holistic view of genetics and biology, we can move towards a more inclusive and accepting society. It is time to challenge the outdated notions of genetic determinism and work towards a future where diversity and individuality are celebrated rather than feared.
