Genie: a Scientific Tragedy

Rating:
Summary: Very tragic
Review: This is a must read for anyone interested in linguistics or child development; however, it is sufficiently interesting and readable for the general population. The tragedy the title refers to is that Genie was a child exploited by the scientific world as she was treated as a case study of language acquisition rather than an abused child desperately in need of supportive therapy. Genie never got the help she needed, and ended up with "soul sickness" in a home for mentally retarded adults. This is a very moving story that will make you think about morality in research and science.

Rating:
Summary: Very tragic
Review: This is a must read for anyone interested in linguistics or child development; however, it is sufficiently interesting and readable for the general population. The tragedy the title refers to is that Genie was a child exploited by the scientific world as she was treated as a case study of language acquisition rather than an abused child desperately in need of supportive therapy. Genie never got the help she needed, and ended up with "soul sickness" in a home for mentally retarded adults. This is a very moving story that will make you think about morality in research and science.

Rating:
Summary: Culture and Humanness
Review: Through this sad story of a severely deprived girl, we are moved to appreciate the importance of culture, in which children grow up to be normal, functioning humans. At the same time, Genie's ability to deeply affect those who came in contact with her moves us to appreciate the humanness that seems to have been present in Genie despite her 13 years of isolation. This book leaves us feeling content yet not fully satisfied, as each of us will undoubtely think of other possible ways that Genie could have been helped.

Rating:
Summary: Culture and Humanness
Review: Through this sad story of a severely deprived girl, we are moved to appreciate the importance of culture, in which children grow up to be normal, functioning humans. At the same time, Genie's ability to deeply affect those who came in contact with her moves us to appreciate the humanness that seems to have been present in Genie despite her 13 years of isolation. This book leaves us feeling content yet not fully satisfied, as each of us will undoubtely think of other possible ways that Genie could have been helped.