The Journey Towards Nuclear Power

1076 Words3 Pages

There is a great depth of curiosity in traversing the unknown, in embarking on journeys where the discoveries far outweigh your greatest expectations. In terms of nuclear power, the journey is still ensuing. Has progress been made? Yes. Have policies been formulated? Yes. Has a vast deal of information been researched? Yes. And yet, the learning continues, and it will be a never-ending process that depends upon harnessing, refining, and innovating nuclear energy and technology. As the old-age adage goes, however, with this learning comes knowledge, and knowledge is power. Power and responsibility, however, are not mutually exclusive prospects, and all three of these components are highly applicable to the atomic energy discussed in Dr. Heinz Haber's, Our Friend the Atom. Haber's book was published by Walt Disney, who opened up Tomorrowland in Disneyland in connection with the book. Why? Well, Disney was fascinated with the progression of science, and the way in which it could benefit and enhance human life. Thus, both the book, its cinematic counterpart, and Tomorrowland were dedicated towards embodying the scientific advancements of the future. The audience of Haber's book, however, is quite unique. Disney was – and is – a universally recognized name, attracting viewers and readers from young toddlers to adults. Specifically, however, the text of Our Friend the Atom, was tailored towards children- children who attended school. The 1950s proctored the expansion of science curriculums into school, and most of the textbooks and materials were geared towards “domesticating” the nuclear bomb, and culturally immersing students into a world of atomic energy. American technology was rapidly changing, and the dynamic nature brought fo... ... middle of paper ... ... follows the “diagnose, evaluate, and prescribe,” method that Entman determines is the integral component of framing (Entman). He diagnoses the problem of nuclear energy by illustrating a fable to emphasize how we wish to master great power- as the Genie, of course, became a symbol of power in terms of Disney- evaluates both perspectives of power, world hunger, and health, and prescribes acceptance and progression of nuclear technology as the solution. This strategic breakdown helps the audience understand, remember, and identify with Haber's claims. Rhetorical arguments in this realm of public policy- nuclear power- are common, and yet it is the way in which people accept or reject these arguments that truly validates the ability of this persuasion. After all, how you phrase something is just as important as what you are phrasing, and who you are phrasing it to.

More about The Journey Towards Nuclear Power

Open Document