Collective Natural Selection, Essay Example

Social Darwinism is a concept that is widely regarded as being an immoral, if accurate, perspective to take on issues of humanity and social welfare. Most people are reluctant to admit that they view the idea of “survival of the fittest” plays a role in the way they view the world. However, in contradiction to the widespread moral disdain for the idea of Social Darwinism, many of the most important (and affluent) sectors of society actually embody the precepts of survival of the fittest whether this idea is openly espoused or simply woven into the cultural expectations and ideals that are associated within a particular sector. The idea that natural selection is good for profit-driven organizations is common. One question is whether there are communities or organizations in the United States that, due to the prevalence of a survival of the fittest mentality, value organizations or collectives above individuals.

The answer to this question is an unqualified “yes.” This can be seen in many organizations and industries. For example, the entertainment industries, particularly those associated with music, movies and television openly embrace Social Darwinism. If you are a TV actor and your show has low ratings, you will be eliminated. if you are a musical performer whose music fails to garner a large audience, you will be similarly eliminated and ignored. In fact, in both industries, it is not only possible, but quite common to hold high ratings and sales at one point in your career and then be eliminated when your appeal starts to wane. Similarly, in the case of professional sports teams, there is an obvious survival of the fittest “rule” which means that a player can be “washed up” by the time they are just into their 30’s or even younger. The one common denominator that runs through all industries is that the industries themselves survive and prosper despite the individual fates of the performers and athletes that work in the industry. Obviously, such practices can be readily demonstrated to be connected to the idea of profit and materialism. The gaining of riches and wealth is itself another aspect of Social Darwinism, with those at the top of the economic system profiting from and exploiting those at the lower levels.