Activity Quote by Stephen Jay Gould
“Recapitulation provided a convenient focus for the persuasive racism of white scientists; they looked to the activities of their own children for comparison with normal adult behavior in lower races.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Unknown (scientific essay)
Scientists used recapitulation to justify racist ideas, comparing children's behavior to that of so races.
In simple terms: Science was misused to support racism.
Question scientific claims critically.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- policy
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we guard against bias in research?
- What role does history play in current science?
Scientific authority can be distorted.