When comparing Sartin’s article to that of Washington’s from
Medical Apartheid there were some drastic differences. Washington really describes
the harsh treatment African American slaves both men and women had to go
through while under the care of Dr. Sims. Women were subjected to prodding and
poking in more sensitive and private parts. The slaves were thought to be able
to tolerate pain and would not be given any anesthetics. This is one example in
which Sims was a cruel and selfish man, for putting his scientific drive before
the well being of his patients. Sims
made a special hospital building next to his home, but was this really a hospital
or just a laboratory for his experiments? Even though this was a time when
slaves were considered property I think he could have gone about things
differently and for that I see him as a villain. Was it proper and ethical for
Sims to carry out his experimental surgeries in the way he did? I think he
could have used anesthesia, especially when we know these women were screaming
at the top of their lugs and had to be held down. His vaginal surgeries were
thought to be minor procedures when described in Sartin’s article, but I think
a lot is left out to make Sims seem more of a hero for his gynecological
findings. Washington tells a much more descriptive and honest story of the
struggle women went through due to Sims’ need for answers in the medical world.
I think he was putting his want of fame
and fortune first and would do anything in order to gain respect in society as
a doctor. As a doctor he definitely over stepped his authority, but this is
based on the perspective of what’s acceptable in today’s society.
-emothersell
I agree that Dr. Sims (if he is even considered a true medical doctor!) was a horrible man. He didn't even allow slaves to have any drugs to help them relieve some pain during these horrific surgeries. Sims only cared about making money and probably making the slave suffer.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the "hospital" was more like a lab, as you stated. It seems to me its a lab because it was attached to his house and he was in control of what went on in it.
I still can't believe that he could perform these surgeries, when he had to deal with so many women screaming for help and mercy. He definitely overstepped his boundary as a medical professional.