Darwinism and the American Society

Darwinism is the theory based on the Darwinist remark that survival is for the fittest. It encourages unfair and unprecedented selfishness among people. However, in the social Darwinist theory, competition among people is necessary and part of life. In American society, capitalism has taken the center stage of the economic space where people are out to get success for themselves. There have been conflicts arising in the social space where the social Darwinism theory could be applied. The social Darwinist theory from the perspective of the Dayton event shows that people are not willing to accept anything that is contrary to their beliefs. American society has been affected in the past by the evolution theory that disregards the religious perspective on the existence of man. The law that was passed in Tennessee was against teaching the evolution theory, which made no sense at the time given that evolution is part of history and science (Schultz). The ruling in the case made the people who did not support evolutionism gain momentary victory. It took away the chance of the people in Tennessee to develop their own conclusions on the origin of existence that they believe in. 

American society today is mainly focused on people being in competition with each other for limited resources, yet the needs of man are never-ending. However, the competition is guided and limited in such a way that people cannot oppress others as they strive for their excellence. For instance, today, in the United States, it is not possible to take away people’s property by force because one can easily afford to buy justice. Competition is being checked by all the members of society (Brinkley). In the age of social media, the United States is turning out to be a society where social unity can easily be compromised by competition. However, competition in society is healthy. People tend to get motivated to improve their situations every other day when they have role models who are achieving great things and being inspirational. Looking back at the court’s decision to ban the teaching of evolution in Tennessee, the argument that was presented against evolution was incomplete. Evolution meant that man was a mammal but to argue that evolution presents no distinction between man other animals are similar is incorrect. Evolution enhanced animals in ways that were suitable for their survival and preferred way of life. People turned out differently due to their curiosity and way of life as well. Therefore, social Darwinism explains why people are different.

To conclude, social Darwinism does not make people unreasonably ambitious. The fact evolution explains the origin of man with evidence is enough to give social Darwinism a strong basis. It has changed society significantly because more people are well educated and understand the dynamics of competition. The necessity of man to survive in society is also well emphasized (Motyl). Ultimately, it is possible to explain why society today can encourage competition and not encourage oppression of the week by the strong members of society. Competition has helped people to grow significantly in the United States. The whole country can attribute its success to the spirit of competition among people. It is important for people in society to acknowledge the importance of competition in society and its significance in the future of society.

Works Cited

Brinkley, A. American History. New York City: McGraw- Hill, 2015. Pdf.

Motyl, A J. “Encyclopedia of nationalism: leaders, movements, and concepts.” 2000. Elsevier Science and Technology. http://search.credoreference.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/content/entry/estnational/social_darwinism/0?institutionId=5865. 1 May 2019.

Schultz, K. History 4th Edition. Boston: Wadsworth, 2016. Document.