In readings of the framework essay, I came across an entire section (about pg 344 to pg 346) where they explained the testing of individuals on there ability to comprehend and/ or perform simple tests; the first occurrences of I.Q. (Intelligence Quotient) tests.
The thing I find interesting about the way they are explained is that the 20th century Americans would lump together people of any race (mostly non-white) that they THOUGHT was too dumb or uneducated, and keeping them under a net of stasis, if you will; unable to breed, and unable to do things everyday ‘normal’ americans could do.
The ‘unable to breed’ part stuck out at me more prominently than the others, because I hear people constantly shout ‘man! People are so stupid! People should have to take a test to breed!’, some Marylin Manson himself had said a while ago. Hey guys, you know what’s funny?
There was a test! Funny right??
If they actually stil had a test like this, do you think it would follow a social Darwinist pattern similar to the one that was used so long ago? I say Social Darwinist, because that’s how we would all be if that kind of testing still persisted. A lot of people who actually are intelligent would be kept out of schools and put in ‘special’ situations, just because of an uneducated and seemingly archaic way of thinking.
So next time you see someone you consider an uneducated person or an unfit parent (presumably stupid if that’s what you think) try and remember, they may not have had the opportunity you had, but they aren’t stupid. They just need some help is all (not that kind of help, help with there children and finances, those kinds of necessities. It’s easier to think and learn when you’re better off, is it not?)
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