AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Eugenics as Longstanding US Policy
- Eugenics was a widespread American policy for forcibly sterilizing those deemed unfit for reproduction.
- It targeted immigrants, people of color, and people with disabilities until the 1970s.
Eugenics Justified Class Hierarchy
- Eugenics aimed to breed "superior" traits mainly found in upper classes while preventing reproduction of "undesirables."
- It justified racial and class hierarchies by promoting judicious marriage and sterilization.
The Tragic Story of Carrie Buck
- Carry Buck was institutionalized and sterilized after being declared "feeble minded" following a rape.
- There was no evidence she was mentally deficient, but her family and foster parents pushed for sterilization.