An Independent Opinion
Whether it's through stereotyping or a simple judgement, we often derive conclusions before finding evidence to support our point. Unfortunately, this is not always the best idea. Take Tom Buchanan, for example:
In 1945, Walter Freeman came up with an alternative to institutionalization for the mentally ill called the transorbital lobotomy. The procedure involved pounding an sharp pick through a patient's upper eyelid to cut the connection between the prefrontal cortex and the frontal lobe of the brain. His goal was to dispose of any mental issues that the patient had and to allow them to function "normally".
Despite very few people that reported an improved lifestyle, many Americans believed in Freeman because of his public glory and sent their family members to have procedures done as well. Around 10,000 people ended up receiving a transorbital lobotomy, with the last one resulting in the patient's death. When the public finally came to realize the harmful effects of the operation, it was too late to help the affected.
The lobotomy was a tragic occurrence in American history. It provided us with an example of publicly flawed logic but at the cost of thousands. This was definitely not the only time that mass following created ignorant conclusions. In fact, that idea still occurs today through outlets such as politics or media.
As cliché as it sounds, I would like to remind you all to "be your own person". We tend to follow the majority and only listen to the thoughts of those around us or evidence that supports our claim. Rather than doing this, formulate an independent opinion and use information from opposing sources; this will only strengthen your final argument.
"The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be - will be utterly submerged. It's all scientific stuff; it's been proved." - F. Scott FitzgeraldTom read one book ("The Rise of the Coloured Empires") and came to an extreme conclusion. To us, Tom seems foolish; after all, his source is most likely biased, and his logic is excessively flawed. However, if we find Tom's conclusion to be senseless, what do we think of ourselves when we do the same?
In 1945, Walter Freeman came up with an alternative to institutionalization for the mentally ill called the transorbital lobotomy. The procedure involved pounding an sharp pick through a patient's upper eyelid to cut the connection between the prefrontal cortex and the frontal lobe of the brain. His goal was to dispose of any mental issues that the patient had and to allow them to function "normally".
Despite very few people that reported an improved lifestyle, many Americans believed in Freeman because of his public glory and sent their family members to have procedures done as well. Around 10,000 people ended up receiving a transorbital lobotomy, with the last one resulting in the patient's death. When the public finally came to realize the harmful effects of the operation, it was too late to help the affected.
The lobotomy was a tragic occurrence in American history. It provided us with an example of publicly flawed logic but at the cost of thousands. This was definitely not the only time that mass following created ignorant conclusions. In fact, that idea still occurs today through outlets such as politics or media.
As cliché as it sounds, I would like to remind you all to "be your own person". We tend to follow the majority and only listen to the thoughts of those around us or evidence that supports our claim. Rather than doing this, formulate an independent opinion and use information from opposing sources; this will only strengthen your final argument.
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| Rosemary Kennedy, a patient of Freeman's, who was hospitalized for her entire life after receiving the procedure |
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