Review by Jack Yates
11/3/18
Discover the thought-provoking review of PBS’s documentary The Eugenics Crusade by Jack Yates, aired as part of The American Experience series in October 2018. This insightful critique explores the history of eugenics in America, a controversial movement that sought societal improvement through selective breeding, and its deep ties to the Progressive Era. Yates highlights the documentary’s critical stance on eugenics, emphasizing its mainstream influence on immigration policies, academia, and human services during the early 20th century.
The review praises the film’s compelling storytelling, particularly its coverage of the Carrie Buck Supreme Court case and the flawed scientific foundations of eugenics. However, Yates notes the documentary’s reluctance to address the moral wrongs of eugenics, including its impact on marginalized groups and its alignment with racist ideologies. He also critiques the omission of the Catholic Church’s opposition to eugenics and the lack of focus on the modern resurgence of eugenic practices, such as selective abortion.
This review invites readers to reflect on the dark history of eugenics and its lingering effects, while encouraging everyone to watch the documentary for a deeper understanding of this critical chapter in American history.
