Rachel Carson's Article
Rachel Carson was born in 1907 in Pennsylvania. Her highly controversial book, "Silent Spring", played a main role in the environmental movement, by forcing governments and businesses to confront the dangers of pesticides like DDT. Carson can be described as "a classic introvert who exhibited few of the typical qualities associated with leadership, like charisma and aggressiveness". She majored biology and earned her master's degree in zoology at Johns Hopkins. Despite there being few opportunities for women in science, she became the editor in chief for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which provided her connections to researchers. She published her first book, "Under the Sea-Wind", in 1941. In 1951, she published "The Sea Around Us". With her many treatments for her various health problems, she still managed to take care of her grandnephew and write "Silent Spring". "Silent Spring" was finally published in 1962, and received a lot of backlash from people. She died on April 14 in 1964.
I think it's inhumane how Rachel Carson was trying to make a difference but everyone bashed her. She didn't deserve to be treated like that, she was an incredibly strong, successful woman that was battling breast cancer. She should've been respected, as all people should be. She stayed confident in her ability to write "Silent Spring" and focused on getting it done even when battling several illnesses and being criticized by many. Her book incited a revolution. Her book was the beginning of the environmental movement, and yet her views were seen as foolish and crazy. Her determination, perseverance, and strength should inspire everyone. Even with all the obstacles in her way, she still remained confident in herself and kept fighting. It's time that Rachel Carson is recognized for starting the movement that saved our planet!
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/business/rachel-carsons-lessons-50-years-after-silent-spring.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&pagewanted=print
Article in source written by Nancy F. Koehn on October 27, 2012