One of the most familiar images associated with eugenics is that of a large tree with strong roots, each representing a scientific discipline. These include biology, anthropology, genetics, medicine, psychiatry, sociology, education and politics. The accompanying note is clear: "Like a tree, eugenics draws its materials from many sources and organizes them into an harmonious entity." As the official logo of the two international congresses on eugenics held in New York in 1921 and 1932, this tree captured the attention of hundreds of scientists and participants attending these major events. That it was represented as a synthesis of all scientific, social, religious, cultural and political activities is only one of the signs explaining the longevity of eugenics. The other is the credibility of the Western scientific tradition into which it was planted by Francis Galton during the 1860s and 1870s. Nurtured by scientists devoted to race improvement, the tree of eugenics grew stronger and stronger, reaching maturity during the 1930s. After the Holocaust, the tree was denuded of its branches, but its roots remained buried deep, embedded in our society, culture and politics. They continued to provide sustenance to various social, economic, and educational policies across the world. The time has come to cut down this tree and remove its global roots. The personal and collective reckoning with the legacies of eugenics can then begin.
Date: 5th of November, 14-17
Place: Unioninkatu 35, auditorium 116
The public lecture is hosted by the Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations and Nationalism (CEREN).
For inquiries about the event, please get in touch with Daria Krivonos (daria.krivonos@helsinki.fi)