Through A Xenophobic Lens

At the turn of twentieth century, social theories developed in both U.S. and Europe suggested that those at top, or most well endowed with good genetics, would stay way, while poor genetics had little hope changing their circumstances. Degeneration theory, as this concept was called when it took root United States from late 1890s, before evolved to formally become eugenics 1910s, beyond. While offices opened Berlin 1905, England 1907-08, 1910, there were many forms it, including degeneration theory. What bound all together notion biology heredity.
 Westerns like Martyrs Alamo became a vehicle explore these concerns because they inundated everyday Americans illustrations national identity. Films often mixed fantasy ideology. This is clearly evident W. Christy Cabanne’s anti-Mexican sentiment Alamo. Examining film through lens degeneracy theory provides greater understanding American 1910s. These concerns, characterized by xenophobic depictions immigrants, particularly Mexicans, culminated linking immigrant bodies disease heredity namely . suggests, reproduction conflict surrounding Mission, alternative “race suicide” heroism, collectivism, cultural exclusion. (SS TZCS)