Dowling College
ASC 128

Presentation Write-Up

Is Eugenics Still Alive Today?

On Wednesday, I delivered a presentation on the topic of Is Eugenics

Still Alive Today? I used the overhead projector to display the points of the

presentation. I started with the definition of eugenics. In explaining the

definition of eugenics, I talked about the aspects of eugenics such as

positive and negative eugenics. I also spoke about Francis Galton in the way

of where the idea of eugenics and the name originated from. Next, I spoke

about the history of eugenics. Due to the fact that there is much

information in the history of eugenics, I thought it would be best to narrow

it down to two central figures. First I spoke about Adolf Hitler. I

relayed information about Hitler's beliefs, attitude, and actions that he

took against Jewish people. I also spoke about how under his dictatorship he

practiced negative eugenics. Following Adolf Hitler I spoke about John D.

Rockefeller. I relayed information about the fact that Rockefeller had

supported eugenics because it seemed to give an attitude of superiority to

the upper class. I also spoke about how Rockefeller was a great

entrepreneur. Therefore his reasons for supporting eugenics also lies with

the fact of wanting to keep the U.S dominant as opposed to the rest of the

world. Lastly, I spoke about whether or not eugenics are still alive today.

I explained that this question is hard to answer. I explained that because

of history, there has not been any serious discussion of eugenics since the

end of World War two. On the flip side I argued that in some ways we still

do practice eugenics. I spoke about designer babies, models selling their

eggs, genetic probes for neuromuscular diseases, direct modifications of the

genes in the cells of the body, and the sterilization of women with

disabilities. At the end of my presentation I asked the class if they

thought the aspects of eugenics that are on the horizon today resemble in any

way, the days of Hitler? In my opinion I think the idea of designer babies

resembles the days of Hitler because the products would conform to today's

societal standards.

At the end of my presentation I was asked a few questions. One question

I was asked dealt with the statement I made about sterilizing disabled

persons. I was asked where I obtained the information. When I stated that I

obtained this article that was written by a disabled women off of the

Internet, I was then asked about the disability of the person. To answer the

question about the women's disability, I later read that she is a lesbian who

does not have the use of her legs. I was also asked how they helped to

prevent menstruation. I am sorry to say that I can not answer this question.

The article does not state how preventing menstruation was done. I

researched this further but could not find a valid answer. Another question

I was asked consisted of if the policy of eugenics was ever used as a

political platform. The answer to this question is yes. John D. Rockefeller

and Adolf Hitler used eugenics in a political way. I feel that I answered

how they used eugenics in my points about them in my presentation.

All in all I feel that my presentation went fairly well. I have to admit

that I was nervous. For the past three years my presentations consisted of

presenting a lesson plan that I had designed. I would present the lesson and

the sit down. Occasionally I would be asked questions however I felt

confident that I would be able to answer these questions due to the fact that

special education is my area of expertise. Nevertheless, I felt intimidated

about answering any questions thrown my way due to the fact that I only had

about three weeks to research a very broad topic that I really knew nothing

about. Anyway, I felt that my presentation contained interesting information

that pertained to the topic. I felt that the structure of my presentation

was quite logical and that any terms or vocabulary I threw out to the class

was defined sufficiently. I also feel that I included a good range of

information. I tried to initiate a class discussion about eugenics being

alive today. I stated how I felt, however I did not get much response from

the class. I feel that my question was very reasonable, but I had the

feeling that people were stressed out and not in the mood to participate.

The area of my presentation that I am not happy with is that I feel that I

should have spoke to the class more, than just reading off of my notes. I

felt that I could have elaborated a bit more.
 

Judging from the responses from the class. While there were few, I

received points ranging from the high eighties to the high nineties. The

class was consistent in their grading. I scored low in the content area of

answering questions completely during discussion. I scored low in the

delivery area of audience eye contact. I also scored low in the

communication skills area of avoided over dependence on notes. I have to agree with the fact

that I did depend on my notes too much. I received a suggestion that said I

should add more oral information to the main points that are shown on the

transparency. I completely agree. I am fully aware that I should speak to

the class more rather than spending the time reading off of the

transparencies. This goes along with the fact that I should make more eye

contact with the audience. I also agree with the fact that I did not answer

every question that I was asked completely. However, as I previously said,

I researched a very broad topic which I knew barely anything about in three

weeks. Therefore, I feel that it is fair to assume that I would not be able

to answer every question about the topic. I scored high in the all areas of

organization. I also scored high in the content area, except for answering

questions completely. Throughout the areas of communications skills and

delivery my scores were good, except for over dependence on notes, and

audience contact. As I stated before, I do feel that my presentation was

logically structured, had useful and detailed information, and that all

vocabulary was sufficiently defined.