The New Eugenics: Health, Wealth, and the Strong Survive

The idea of eugenics, which started in the 1800s, has a dark history. It was about encouraging certain people to have kids and discouraging others. This idea has taken new forms over time, often in harmful ways. One of these is called soft eugenics. It's not about forced sterilizations or mass deaths. Instead, it's about letting nature take its course by reducing healthcare and services for the vulnerable. In the U. S. , some high-profile figures have been pushing ideas that align with soft eugenics. For instance, a prominent health official often talks about how people should take personal responsibility for their health. He blames diet and lifestyle for most health issues, downplaying the role of social services and doctors. He has even suggested using money for healthcare to fund gym memberships instead. This approach ignores the complex factors that affect health, like education, employment, and economic status. This official's views are not unique. Other influential figures share similar beliefs. For example, a well-known entrepreneur has talked about the need for "smart" people to have more children to save society. He has even challenged himself to help increase the population of "high intelligence" individuals. However, his actions, such as cutting foreign aid, have led to increased child mortality and disease in other countries. The focus on personal responsibility and the idea that the strong should survive is a dangerous path. It ignores the reality that health is never simple. It's influenced by a multitude of factors, many of which are beyond an individual's control. By not addressing these factors, these figures are, in a way, practicing a form of soft eugenics. They are letting nature take its course, with potentially tragic results. It's crucial to remember that everyone deserves access to healthcare and social services. These are not privileges for the strong or the wealthy but basic human rights. The idea that only the strong should survive is a relic of the past, a dangerous one at that. It's time to move beyond these outdated notions and work towards a society where everyone has the chance to thrive.