Electronics, Violin, Viola, Cello, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone (2), Snare Drum, Bass Drum | Advanced | ~7:30
The 'Science' of Human 'Improvement'
In the 19th century, a new scientific field was coined by Sir Francis Galton: "Eugenics, The Science of Human Improvement". Eugenicists believed that through planned breeding, genetic improvement of the human race was possible--the creation of a genetically superior human. Because of Eugenics' glorious claims seemingly backed by scientific evidence, various countries began researching Eugenics and applying its findings. Despite Eugenics' claims to scientific integrity and viability in society, historical examples of the Eugenics movement show highly subjective results, aimed specifically to either justify White Supremacy, or to 'scientifically' dehumanize ethnic minorities. Its implication as a justification for racist and fascist agendas in both the U.S. and Germany led to the commitment of many acts of atrocities and ill-doings that are at the least, sickening. Since its use in these atrocities, Eugenics support and validity in science has dwindled; however, in recent times, Eugenics has been once again gaining traction. With new genetic modification technologies and science to back it, the language used in modern Genetics is eerily close to Eugenics. While Eugenics' historical applications are over, the language of Eugenics still exists as a volatile tool.
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The 'Science' of Human 'Improvement' aims to draw light to the imminent danger of Eugenics' role in our future and showcases the unsettling and abhorrent 'science' behind Eugenics. All of the texts spoken in the prelude of the piece are direct quotes from historical Eugenics papers published by Sir Francis Galton and Charles Davenport.
Text of Eugenics Papers:
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"Eugenics is the science of the improvement of the human race by better breeding or, as the late Sir Francis Galton expressed it: — ''The science which deals with all influences that improve the inborn qualities of a race." The eugenical standpoint is that of the agriculturalist who, while recognizing the value of culture, believes that permanent advance is to be made only by securing the best ''blood." Man is an organism — an animal; and the laws of improvement of corn and of race horses hold true for him also. Unless people accept this simple truth and let it influence marriage selection, human progress will cease."
"The exigencies of the times demand that the sex problem be no longer withheld from general discussion. The Social Evil and the White Slave Traffic have brought the question to the front; and since it is here, why should it not be considered from a sacred and scientific standpoint, and in the same spirit of fairness and frankness with which other subjects are discussed?"
"There comes a time in the life of most thoughtful, cultured people when they realize that they are drifting toward marriage and when they stop to consider if the proposed union will lead to healthful, mentally well-endowed offspring. But however much such a person may take advice of books or friends he will find such a lack of definite knowledge that, shutting his eyes to possible disaster, he decides to take the chances ... I propose briefly to consider what is the present state of our knowledge of the inheritance of various characteristics."
"The study of life is a fascinating one. The child, the old man, the fool, the sage, all alike ask the question, “ What is life ? ” They seek an answer from the grass, the trees, the flowers, exclaiming with the poet:
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“ Flower of the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower—but if I could understand what you are, root and all, and all in all,
I should know what God and man is.” "