Homo Sapiens 1900 is a stunning exploration of
the history of eugenics, race hygiene and the quest to improve the human race.
Emerging at the turn of the century, eugenic movements spawned government sanctioned
research projects, whose stated goals were the improvement of the human species
through biological means - including selective breeding, sterilization, and
the elimination of all 'degenerate' members of society.
Unearthing startling archival footage and long-hidden documents, Homo
Sapiens 1900 examines the social and political undercurrents that helped
generate the often-feverish quest to build a superior race. In the United States
the American Eugenics Society promoted the ratification of the world's first
sterilization law, while in Germany and the Soviet Union, in their efforts to
build utopian societies, developed their own horrific applications.
"There's something intrinsically creepy about the scientific
quest to create a new and improved human being, and 'Homo Sapiens 1900,' Peter
Cohen's unsettling documentary on the history of eugenics, mercilessly zeroes
in on exactly what that is. In turning people into laboratory specimens and
using genetic theory to try to breed superior strains of people, scientists
play God." - The New York Times
"Monumental, astonishing! A bone-chilling and gut-wrenching history of
eugenics - aka racial hygiene - in the 20th century. Highly recommended." - Video Librarian
"Powerful and vivid. A stark reminder of how science can be invoked for
unethical purposes." - Journal of the American Medical Association
Bonus materials:
- Archival photo gallery
- Trailers
Format: DVD
Release Year : 1999
Running Time: 85 minutes
Color: Color
Language: English
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