The effects of Social Darwinism, eugenics, and contemporary political conservatism on the status of advocacy efforts for the mentally retarded are reviewed. Provided are historical sketches of Social Darwinism, which viewed the retarded as members of an inferior race, and eugenics, which argued for sterilization of the "genetically unfit". The author examines a resurgence of these two movements in the writings of A. Jensen and W. Shockley and in current conservative political thought. It is emphasized that advocates for the retarded should strive to go beyond notions of charity to influence social attitudes and political philosophy. (CL)