Social Darwinism
Social Darwinism is a term created in the late nineteenth century. Its main idea was that humans, just like animals and plants, compete for existence in which natural selection comes into play for "survival of the fittest." Social Darwinists base their beliefs on theories of evolution developed by British naturalist Charles Darwin. Some social Darwinists believe that governments should not interfere with human competition by trying to regulate the economy or cure social problems such as poverty. Instead they wish for a more self-controlled political and economic system that favors competition and self-interest in social and business affairs. Social Darwinists typically deny that they advocate a "law of the jungle." But most propose arguments that justify imbalances of power between individuals, races, and nations because they consider some people more fit to survive than others. Social Darwinism is not a result of Charles Darwin. Wars and oppression have always been part of human history, but with the introduction of Darwin's theory of evolution, man now had justification for his cruelty. Darwin's ideas seemed supportive of a "super-race" philosophy. The main part of Darwin's ideas revolves
around the idea that life progresses by natural selection, his idea of survival of the fittest. Combine this with the racist culture in the world during his time and you have the reason to pursue any exploitive agenda. Many proclaimed that "might makes right," so why not declare yourself the master race and conquer others? During or prior to Darwin's time, Theodore Roosevelt stated that a racial war to the finish with the Indians was inevitable and there should be a spread of English-speaking people all over the world. Some felt that Social Darwinism is the main cause of all the world's current problems. They feel Social Darwinism leads individuals as well as social, ethnic, or religious groups and other nations as well to compete against other individuals, groups, or nations because of their feelings of superiority or believe they just naturally have to compete. In the minds of most Americans, it has been embedded into the basic American thinking, the idea of leaving their homelands to implement their native customs into a new nation. Over the years to conform to one cultural group into the ways of another's, many believe that this has made the country quite successful, and makes it stand out. But at what cost do we "gain" this reputation? We have fought wars with the purpose of securing peace within and abroad, capitalizing on the forward momentum knowing that history has taught us that only the strong can survive. Social Darwinism, as the name implies, is the application of Darwin's theories to human society. Supporters use the theory and apply it to single nation states to justify internal inequalities between citizens. What has to be realized is that society is not nature, it is created and ran by man, therefore making it artificial, designed onl
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Approximate Word count = 1197
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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