Quote:
Originally Posted by Pink_Lotus
I think the word "Eugenics" by its self holds a negative societal connotation, because of its history and the evil people and evil deeds it has been connected with. I think a better term might be selective breeding. We do this in other animals, but for some reason it is taboo in humans.
|
You might say that those are very good reasons why it is and should remain taboo and why it holds a negative societal connotation. One man's idea of improving society may be another man's idea of genocide? Reading that article and other writings on eugenics gives me the impression that eugenics boosters had some very suspect reasons and ulterior motives for pushing for government eugenics programs. I don't think people have changed so much since 1911 and I believe there is good reason to think that present day supporters of eugenics would have less than noble reasons for the practice of eugenics. But they would wrap their reasons in a pretty package.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pink_Lotus
I don't believe a person's right to reproduce should ever be taken away, but through education, I think people could understand why breeding out certain traits would be of benefit to the species.
|
Agreed but what you seem to be saying is, wouldn't it be nice if we could only do this without doing that?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pink_Lotus
Do I disagree with Eugenics? No. I believe that we could possibly do some good by not continuing to bring children into the world who will most likely suffer with genetic problems health issues that would cause them to suffer. I think that is the more responsible decision. However, I don't believe in instituting a mandatory or institutionalized way of doing it, nor do I agree that aesthetics are reasonable cause for manipulation. The question, I suppose, is where is the line drawn between what traits are acceptable and unacceptable to out-breed, and who will decide. But as I said earlier, I think people should be made aware and educated to make their own decision. Many children are unplanned to begin with, so there is already a lot of education to be done when it comes to the choice of whether or not to procreate.
|
True but you may as well be saying we should all try to be good people. We should...but that's as far as it goes. I'm pretty sure that at this time there are parents who choose abortion when they learn that the child they conceived will have birth defects or serious chronic health problems. And many of us have chosen not to have families for reasons related to our problems whether those problems are organic or the result of environment.
BTW... Apologies for selectively editing your quote but I just wanted to address the points that seemed most important to me. I know you said that you don't advocate eugenics. I'm not trying to start an argument and this topic isn't something I've looked into much. I just seldom talk to anyone and this seemed interesting.