Survival of the Fittest

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With the discussion going on right now as to how -- if at all -- evolutionary
theories fit in with anthropology, I thought it would be germaine to throw out
the idea of survival of the fittest *culture*.

In other words, do the "fittest" cultures, just like the fittest biological
specimens, tend to survive, thrive, and dominate? I'm not geting into issues
of atrocities toward indigenous peoples here, if I can at all help it. What
I mean is not, the "best" cultures," but rather the "fittest" cultures --
those best able to handle the rigors of life.

It seems as if a strong case could be made for this. (European culture was,
perhaps, more "fit" -- in this sense -- than that of Native Americans. For
instance, the Europeans were far better suited to handle contact with
"foreigners," to adapt, to fight with unity, etc...)

But I'm just tossing this out on a whim to see what thoughts are out there...

Nick---

--

Nick Corduan                 "...there is as much dignity in tilling

     at                       a field as in writing a poem."

(nickc@iquest.net)                           --Booker T. Washington

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