Module 1.1 - A Turning Point Event for Environmental Science, Rachel Carson - American Experience

1. Point of View

The video that I chose for my discussion was "Rachel Carson | American Experience". The video goes into detail about Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring". from the perspective of PBS and other scientific figures and writers such as William Souder and Deborah Blum, they were able to dissect key points in Rachel Carson's book.

2. Purpose

The main purpose as stated in the video was to discuss the effects of "a so-called "synthetic" pesticide known as DDT"(PBS). This supposedly "safe" alternative to rather more toxic pesticides. While it did have great success in fighting disease carry insect such as mosquitos with malaria, or lice carrying typhus. Saving hundreds of thousands of lives. Such a great feat that the video states "Time Magazine had pronounced DDT "one of the great scientific discoveries of World War II""(PBS). Rachel Carson on the other hand argued the negative effects DDT could have on not only insects but wildlife as well.

3. Questions at Issue

One of the problems portrayed in the video was the fact that the U.S was losing a substantial amount of lives to insects, specifically to the diseases carried by those insects. The solution to which was DDT, which then caused the next issue. The long term effects this new pesticide had against wildlife which would of course end up affecting us as human beings as well. While Carson was not opposed to the use of the pesticide she merely voiced her opinion that we should be weary in how we use it in order to preserve wildlife. 

4. Information

The video states that "After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S military had rushed DDT to the battle zones"(PBS). the reason being was specifically to target lice bearing Typhus. They makes it very clear that during the war, more casualties were caused by disease than anything else. "Silent Spring" wanted to shed a light that this glorious new pesticide praised on by the American people wasn't all that pleasant. Many people did not want to agree with Carson "she was accused of being a Communist, of being a hysterical, female Luddite"(PBS).

5. Interpretation and Inference

The main conclusion of the video in my opinion was to shed a light on a great writer that fought for the environment and stood her ground while people denounced her name. It's easy to follow the masses, especially when you can visibly see the good being done but it takes bravery to challenge the norm and look below the service. It would have been much easier for Carson to look away and accept this new pesticide for what it was but she couldn't sit around while she knew how harmful it's effects could be if not treated with  moderation and proper utilization. Instead she chose to contest "one of the great scientific discoveries of World War II"(PBS). Putting not only her reputation on the line but her pride. Thanks to her work, we're able to have a new perspective on the environment around us.

6. Concepts

"the modern chemist, the modern biologist, and the modern scientist believes that man is steadily controlling nature"(PBS). This way of thinking as stated in the video was the norm but in my opinion it breaks every law of nature. Throughout years of mankind and enginuity, humans have had to find ways to work AROUND nature. From geography, to climate, to natural disasters. We have had to mold our lives around nature. The arrogant belief that we can control nature, is what caused the negative effects of DDT in the first place.

7. Assumptions

I think the assumption of the video is that the viewer is already of some sort of knowledge of the problem portrayed. Which can easily slip the mind of someone that doesn't have a PHD in environmental science, this can easily lose the attention of those trying to digest information in a different form other than reading. I feel like the video would do a much better job if they went into a little more detail of each point made. 

8. Consequences

The overall concept of the video in my opinion is to bring awareness to all kinds of viewers, even those that have no background in science a broader view of the effects we as humans cause on the environment around us. I think we should be more aware of the products we use and the effects it has on the things around us. While I know the main point of the video is not to shame the use of pesticides, I will say It's so easy to kill a bug with a pesticide when it's "invading our areas" when in fact were the intrusive ones in the end, we should be more aware of the negatives to the extermination we are taking part of.

(DDT as talked about in the video)
“DDT Exposure during Early Life Associated with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer.” Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog, 20 Feb. 2019, beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2019/02/ddt-exposure-during-early-life-associated-with-increased-risk-of-breast-cancer/.


Work Cited

“Chapter 1 | Rachel Carson | American Experience | PBS.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 Jan. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeJNRaE11A0&t=314s&ab_channel=VinceVintage.