Physical, Social, and Documentary Genocide: The Monacan Indian Nation v. The Commonwealth of Virginia

Basic human rights for all citizens, is a standard in Western society which is often taken for granted. When we look back at our past it becomes clear that this standard has not always been the norm. The key to assuring that the future will continue to hold promise and opportunity for all is to remain ever conscious of our collective history and what it has to teach us about where we are headed. This research examines prejudice, racism and bigotry and the trickle down effect that these fear based traits can have on all strata of society. By examining the social atmosphere and the pseudo science behind the Eugenics Movement of the late nineteenth through mid twentieth centuries, we can better prepare ourselves for the responsibilities and challenges that we may face in the future. This body of work is not simply a critique of past errors, but attempts to enlighten the reader to the immeasurable importance of sacredness of self identity.