Story of Evolution,
Evolution of Stories
Bryn Mawr College, Spring 2004
First Web Paper
On Serendip
The Story of Evolution and America's Fear
Lindsay
In August of 1999, the teaching of evolution in schools was banned by the
state of Kansas. Since last year in Texas, educators have debated over which
textbooks to use in grade school science solely by the language of evolution
each text contains. And today in Georgia, educators talk about replacing the
word "evolution" with the phrase "biological changes over time." (1) Apparently,
our apprehensions about teaching the theory of evolution are popping up all
over the news. In hearing these debates, one usually thinks that it is only
religious groups or fanatics trying to preserve their stories by eradicating
the teaching of evolution. However, I think that culturally we have trouble
accepting the theory of evolution because of other stories we tell ourselves.
While religion does play a large role in our stories of creation, we have many
ethics and ideals outside of faith that contrast with the theory of evolution.
We may have trouble facing the facts of evolution because of what it says about
the human race. Accepting the theory of evolution places us on the same level
as all other species in terms of how we came into existence and how that existence
will end. It means letting go of many misconceptions we hold about ourselves.
For example, that humans are somehow superior or meant to wield control over
the earth. It affirms that we have not been here for nearly as long as our world,
and will be long gone before the world ends. Evolution, it seems to me, touches
more closely on our fears about death and our place in the grand scheme of things
than it does on our faith. The reason evolution comes into such great conflict
with religion is because questions such as, "Where will we go after our lives
here end?" are so important to us. Consequently, the fear surrounding the theory
of evolution belongs not only to the religious and the fanatical, but also to
anyone who has ever asked him or herself such questions.
America was founded on the concepts of idealism and opportunism; we all are
brought up to take advantage of our opportunities and succeed to the best of
our abilities. The nature of evolution is to go against these ideals. Evolution
occurs randomly, meaning the human race did not "earn" its place as sovereign
of the earth. As Americans, we see ourselves working toward a society that is
closer and closer to perfection. As individuals, we are taught to be the best
we can be. The theory of evolution tells us that we are adapting to random changes.
So in essence, we, as an idealistic society, are rejecting being educated about
this existential system of how we came to be. Even aside from all religious
affiliations, it is not too surprising that due to the stories we have always
told about ourselves as a culture, the theory of evolution is, at the very least,
a little scary.
"Reason and evidence alone cannot assuage such fear. Many proponents of creationism
and intelligent design play on that fear, painting their argument as a defense
against godlessness. Denial of evolution in the face of overwhelming evidence
is irrational. The fear of chaos, however, is understandable, especially in
light of today's frighteningly uncertain world." (2)
This might explain a little better our resistance to teaching evolution in
schools. How can we raise our children to believe in this story while also assuring
them that they have every opportunity to succeed as long as they try? I am not
sure that the latter clause can be true when the former is posed. Under evolution,
life is not fair, and this is just as difficult and frightening a thing to teach
grade-schoolers as is the theory of evolution itself. Teaching evolution in
schools is the only way to remedy our fears about our existence in this world.
"True science shows no deference to any particular religious view. That is its
place, and therein lies its value of objectivity, as an ever-important and integral
methodological tool in our on-going struggle to question, comprehend, and live
together in peace." (2)
Whether we call evolution a "theory" or a "fact," we owe it to ourselves to
learn the story as best as we can. In order to do this, we must not allow religion
to be an excuse for letting our fear get in the way of education any longer.
(1) http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/0104/29curriculum.html?sub=yes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a local newspaper.
(2) http://puffin.creighton.edu/NRCSE/TheThreatofEvolution.html The Threat
of Evolution, (published in slightly edited form Feb. 22, 2003, Omaha World-Herald)
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