Readings on Genetics/Eugenics (Eli)

- Was there a bias in the Norton article?

- Julie suggested that he seemed to be anti-eugenics.

- Did Van Court set any limits to eugenics? The Nazis performed genocide, not eugenics. What is our definition of the perfect person to be achieved (through genetics/eugenics)?

- Angela said that an ideal person would be smart but artistically capable. She also felt like there was some racism in the article.

- Van Court (et al) seems very racially motivated, but would eugenics be more acceptable if religious ideas were left out?

- Angela suggested that most eugenecists probably don't.

- Leanne said that Van Court was "on crack" - that the idea of racial purity is "old-fashioned" and is no longer scientifically or socially acceptable.

- Van Court says political correctness is inhibiting progress - is she right (at all)?

- Anna said that she made an interesting point about the loss of intelligence, avoiding issues of race or religion.

- Do you have to believe in nature versus nurture?

- Julie suggested that "there are enviornmental factors that change the way a gene is expressed."

- Leanne said that nature is a big part of it, but nurture will impact how the nature is used or expressed.

- Anna pointed out that there isn't a guarantee, even with a certain amount of genetic selectivity.

- Leanne argued that the ability to choose genetic factors brings out human vanity.

- Is there anything in Macbeth that links to the idea of eugenics?

- Anna said that this idea is contradicted because Macduff's babies die, even though he is good.

- Leanne said that it seems to show that good traits are desirable because Macbeth's evil did not get passed on because he didn't have children.

- The opposite side suggests that eugenecists are promoting hate. Is this true?

- Leanne said that it depends. If the idea of "beauty" is becoming the "genetic ideal," this could promote racism if the institutionalized idea of American beauty is promoted.

- Maggie said that human nature will always be drawn to and want to create an ideal of beauty.

- Anna pointed out that there are still cultural differences in ideas of beauty.