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Grace Wiedrich – From Plants to People: Mendelian Eugenics in NC in the 20th Century | GES Colloquium

January 30 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

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From Plants to People: Mendelian Eugenics in NC in the 20th Century In-Person

Grace Wiedrich, CRDM PhD Student, NC State University

The Mendelian eugenics movement in NC provides a useful case study into the lasting impact of over-generalized genetic theory on governments, medical professionals, and activists.

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Abstract

The history of eugenics in the United States is deeply entwined with theories about plants and animals arising in the 19th century. By the early 20th century, selective breeding of humans became a popular concern around the country. It was believed that all traits, from hair color to intelligence to morality, were passed on through the blood. However, even after geneticists had proven eugenics to be a pseudoscience by the 1930s, the popular culture of eugenics deeply impacted public policy, education, and activism into the 1970s. North Carolina provides a useful case study into the lasting impact of over-generalized genetic theory on governments, medical professionals, and activists.

Speaker Bio

Grace Wiedrich is currently a PhD student in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media and an instructor in the English department at NC State. Her research focuses on eugenics rhetoric during the 20th century in the United States, with a special interest in the interplay among race, gender, and ability.


GES Colloquium is jointly taught by Drs. Jen Baltzegar and Dawn Rodriguez-Ward, who you may contact with any class-specific questions. Colloquium will be held in person in the 1911 Building, room 129, and live-streamed via Zoom.

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Details

Date:
January 30
Time:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Series:
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Website:
https://go.ncsu.edu/ges-colloquium

Venue

1911 Building, Room 129 (North Campus)
10 Current Dr.
Raleigh, NC United States
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Organizer

GES Center
Phone
9195152596
Email
gesocietycenter@ncsu.edu
View Organizer Website