Compare/Contrast Essay
Stephen Jay Gould in both essays of “Women’s Brains” and “The Terrifying Normalcy of Aids” talks about the false beliefs and stereotypes that we as human beings follow. He peels back the layers of these false assumptions to reveal the truth by offering us some history and examples. Both essays present a different topic of interest but the way in which the author builds his argument and the approach he takes is alike. We are given the facts from the history about bout each topic in order to make connections with our current thinking. Many assumptions and false beliefs were made because people did not bother to look for more information. They just believed what they were given and followed that trend. Some were just findings that only showed what the one wanted to see, agree with and make conclusions to support the prejudice approaches that existed in the society.
In Stephen Jay Gould essay of “Women’s Brains”, he presents augments against how women were seen in the 19th Century has lacking or having very low intelligence. This is a ‘fact’ according to the findings of Paul Bronco who after conducting a scientific research he concluded that the brain size of women was much smaller than that of men, therefore less intelligent than men. This is the kind of science that represents the prejudice view on women which presents a relationship between science and misogyny. Misogyny is the hatred of women. Gould is trying to present to the readers that women have suffered great social prejudice and stereotypes of many varieties (Gould 223).
Looking at Bronco’s work we are presented with measurement done with the most scrupulous accuracy and care but it is the kind of science that does not presents the true facts. His findings simply reinforce the common prejudice that enhances the male dominated society. Bronco’s conclusion was based on the supposed male sobriety in the society and the men’s brain size which is larger than that of women. This is a wrong conclusion because in the modern society truth can not only be based on science. Women today have reached greater heights even though their brain sizes are much smaller than that of men. The testing of intelligence is the successful method through conducting an IQ test and not the measurement of the brain size.Gould enhances the point that science should not be relied upon to give us the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in his essay, “The Terrifying Normalcy of Aids”. In this era of Aids, science has failed to give us the cure to the epidemic.
We stay hopeful that one day someone might come up with a discovery of treatment to the disease that has killed and it continuing to kill many(Stephen 596). We have reached a point in which we can not rely on science alone but we a need to focus on bigger factors on how to live longer and healthier lives. This can only be achieved if we get informed on how the disease spreads, how to take precaution and how to eat healthy, use ARVs and avoid stress so that the victims may live longer. Modern technology gives us hope that one day a cure can be found but for now we rely simply on education on AIDs.The disease has killed both men and women to the ration of 1 to 1 this shows the tragedy of our moralistic misperception. Therefore we have a responsibility of educating the young generation concerning HIV /AIDS which will help the society from engaging in high risk behaviors(Stephen 596) . For now let’s hope that science will come up with a solution.
Reference
Gould, S (2002) Women’s Brains. Retrieved from
http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/rgunnar/files/Gould%20Brains.pdf
On May 19, 2010
Gould, S (2002) The Terrifying Normalcy of Aids .Retrieved from
http://www.stephenjaygould.org/
Is this your assignment or some part of it?
We can do it for you! Click to Order!
