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    Part Two: The Bastard Who Invented The Lobotomy

    enNovember 07, 2019

    Podcast Summary

    • Building strong community connectionsNeighbor networks, shared experiences, and financial support can foster unexpected joys and aid during uncertain times.

      Building strong community connections can bring unexpected joys and help during uncertain times. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, emphasizes the importance of relying on neighbors for social bonds and disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, shared experiences, like playing Chumba Casino games, can lead to unexpected connections. Navy Federal Credit Union also plays a role in helping the military community grow financially. The NBA playoffs exemplify the excitement and intensity of playoff mode, while the story of Rosemary Kennedy highlights the importance of understanding and accommodating individuals with disabilities to help them live relatively independent lives.

    • Rosemary Kennedy's complex storyHer story challenges oversimplified portrayals of mental health, disability, and societal expectations, highlighting the importance of understanding the full picture.

      Rosemary Kennedy's story is complex and multifaceted, and her portrayal as a deeply disturbed young woman who underwent a tragic lobotomy may be oversimplified. While it's true that she experienced violent outbursts and learning disabilities, she was also described as beautiful, poetic, and deeply loving. She had a strong will to live a life on her own terms, which clashed with her family's goals and societal expectations. Her sexuality and perceived promiscuity may have been a significant factor in her treatment, and her mental health struggles were likely compounded by the stigma surrounding disability and the pressure to conform to her family's image. Ultimately, her story highlights the complexities of mental health, disability, and societal expectations, and the importance of understanding the full picture rather than reducing someone to a label.

    • Lobotomy on Rosemary Kennedy: A Misguided SolutionThe 1940s saw a misguided belief in lobotomies as a cure for mental illnesses, leading to thousands undergoing the procedure without proper consent or understanding of the risks.

      During the 1940s, the belief that lobotomies were an effective solution for mental illnesses led families, including that of Rosemary Kennedy, to undergo the procedure without proper understanding or consent. The decision to perform the lobotomy on Rosemary was ultimately made by her father, Joseph Kennedy, who took her to see controversial neurologist Walter Freeman despite her wife's lack of knowledge. Freeman diagnosed Rosemary with agitated depression and promised a cure through lobotomy. The procedure, rather than helping, essentially erased Rosemary's identity. The lobotomy trend continued, with thousands being performed annually by Freeman and others. This era serves as a stark reminder of the importance of informed consent and the potential consequences of blindly trusting medical professionals and societal trends.

    • Walter Freeman's Controversial Lobotomy ProceduresDespite questionable benefits and high mortality rate, Walter Freeman continued performing over 3,400 lobotomies, disregarding patients' well-being for the sake of his theatrical performances and celebrity status.

      Walter Freeman, a prominent neurosurgeon in the mid-20th century, gained notoriety for his controversial lobotomy procedures. During demonstrations, he would perform the surgeries without protective gear, leaving patients to walk out on their own after the procedure, some needing assistance. Freeman believed he was a heroic medical radical, performing over 3,400 lobotomies in 55 hospitals across 23 states. However, the benefits of these procedures are debatable, with at least 490 patients dying as a result. Freeman's performances became more theatrical over time, causing shock and dismay among colleagues. Despite the controversy, he continued to travel the country, performing lobotomies and promoting his techniques. Ultimately, Freeman's obsession with the celebrity of his work and the ease with which he performed the surgeries led to a disturbing disregard for the human beings undergoing the procedure.

    • The Controversial Practice of Lobotomies in the 1940s and 1950sNeurosurgeon Walter Freeman performed thousands of lobotomies, intended to calm patients, but often left them incapacitated and unable to function normally. Hospital administrators welcomed it due to reduced noise and incidents, but ethical concerns and risks raised important questions about human life, autonomy, and medical professionals' roles.

      During the 1940s and 1950s, Walter Freeman, a neurosurgeon, performed thousands of lobotomies, a procedure intended to calm and quiet patients, particularly those in mental institutions. Although some patients may have benefited from the procedure, many were left incapacitated and unable to function normally. The lobotomy often resulted in a significant decrease in their ability to think, walk, and even communicate. The procedure was welcomed by hospital administrators because it reduced noise levels, incidents, and made managing patients easier. However, it's important to note that the majority of Freeman's patients were inmates in mental institutions, and the people who paid for the surgeries were more interested in quieting them rather than healing them. Furthermore, the lobotomy was often used on women who were married and perceived as problematic by their husbands. Freeman himself acknowledged the positive impact on the ward's atmosphere, but the procedure came with significant risks and ethical concerns. While some argue that the lobotomy helped a few, it's not a justification for performing it on everyone. The lobotomy was a controversial practice, and its use raises important questions about the value of human life, autonomy, and the role of medical professionals in making decisions about patients' lives.

    • Discover new rewards and connectionsMonopoly Go offers new discoveries, Neighbor to Neighbor emphasizes community, Mint Mobile saves money, Chamba Casino provides entertainment, and advancements lead to better alternatives

      There are various ways to discover new rewards and build meaningful connections in life. Monopoly Go offers exciting new discoveries every time you play with features like rare stickers, emojis, and unique playing pieces. Neighbor to Neighbor emphasizes the importance of community and helping each other out in everyday life and during natural disasters. Mint Mobile provides an affordable alternative to expensive wireless plans, allowing you to save money and enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data. Chamba Casino offers fun and entertainment through social casino style games that can be played for free anytime, anywhere. Lastly, while the past saw controversial practices like lobotomies, advancements in treatments and research have led to better alternatives. Overall, there are always opportunities to discover new things, connect with others, and improve our lives.

    • Controversial Lobotomies by Walter FreemanWalter Freeman performed thousands of lobotomies with inconsistent medical justifications, often misdiagnosing patients as schizophrenic, leading to significant complications and loss of life.

      During the mid-20th century, transorbital lobotomies, a controversial neurosurgical procedure, were performed by Walter Freeman with questionable ethical standards and inconsistent medical justifications. He believed these procedures were easier to perform and care for patients at home, leading him to perform thousands, often declaring them schizophrenic without proper diagnosis. One nurse, Helen Comer, shared her account of assisting Freeman in a lobotomy in 1954, describing the room full of curious onlookers and the grueling procedure. Despite its ease for Freeman, it was not easy for the patients, with some losing their lives due to complications. Freeman's high self-confidence and need to prove his methods led him to disregard the emotional and psychological impact on his patients. The most common diagnoses for lobotomies were schizophrenia, chronic pain, and suicidal depression. However, it's important to note that Freeman may have seen these procedures as a way to sponge off patients' emotions rather than genuinely caring for them. The symptoms for which lobotomies were prescribed were vast, ranging from anxiety to hysterical paralysis.

    • CIA's exploration of lobotomies for mind controlThe CIA considered lobotomies for disabling communists but abandoned it due to ethical concerns and negative connotations. Later, they shifted focus to LSD for mind control, while lobotomies were replaced by medication and surgery for treating mental health issues.

      During the 1950s and 1960s, the CIA explored the potential of lobotomies as a means to disable communists, but ultimately decided against it due to ethical concerns. The procedure, which involves damaging the frontal lobes of the brain, can reduce a person's ability to pursue causes and organize or direct, making them less effective in their zealousness. However, the CIA eventually shifted its focus to LSD as a method for mind control, and lobotomies were largely abandoned due to their negative connotations and the emergence of new understandings about mental health issues. Walter Freeman, a pioneer in lobotomies, was ahead of his time in recognizing that many mental health issues have physical or chemical causes, but his advocacy for lobotomies as a solution hindered his progress in advancing this theory. Instead, it is now known that many mental health issues can be treated with medication or surgery.

    • A boy's life altered by a lobotomyHistorical mistreatment of mental health patients highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and ethical treatment.

      The story of Howard Dully serves as a grim reminder of the past mistreatment of mental health patients. Howard, a young boy exhibiting behavioral issues, was subjected to a lobotomy at the hands of a controversial doctor, Walter Freeman, based on a brief assessment. The procedure left Howard with severe damage and years of suffering, including homelessness and mental illness. This incident underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and ethical treatment in mental health care. It also highlights the historical misunderstanding and stigma surrounding mental health issues. Today, we have more effective methods for understanding and addressing mental health concerns, and it is crucial to continue advancing this field and ensuring that all individuals receive compassionate, evidence-based care.

    • Building connections in uncertain timesNeighbor to Neighbor emphasizes the importance of community and connection, while Walter Freeman's story highlights ethical treatment. Amy Winehouse's music invites connection, and AT&T's Wi-Fi keeps us connected on the go.

      Community and connection are essential in uncertain times. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, emphasizes the importance of building relationships with those around us, whether it's lending a helping hand or standing together during natural disasters. Meanwhile, the life of Walter Freeman, a doctor known for his controversial lobotomy practices, serves as a reminder of the importance of humane treatment and professional ethics, even when faced with opposition. In entertainment, Amy Winehouse's Back to Black invites audiences to connect with her story and music, while AT&T's in-car Wi-Fi offers the flexibility to work and stay connected on the go. Ultimately, these stories and innovations highlight the power of connection and the importance of staying true to ourselves, even when faced with adversity.

    • The Controversial Legacy of Pioneering Lobotomist Walter FreemanDespite popularizing a controversial procedure with over 40,000 lobotomies in the US, Walter Freeman's disregard for ethical concerns and patients' feelings left a lasting negative impact on medical history.

      Walter Freeman, a pioneering interventional surgeon, is known for popularizing the transorbital lobotomy procedure, which involved using an ice pick to destroy parts of the brain to treat psychiatric disorders. This practice, which peaked in the 1940s and 1950s, led to over 40,000 lobotomies in the US. However, the procedure was controversial and often resulted in severe complications, including the death of one of Freeman's patients in 1967. Freeman's surgical privileges were revoked, and the practice of transorbital lobotomies faded away. Although some aspects of Freeman's techniques are still used in limited cases, the overall need for such procedures seems to be much smaller than the number of lobotomies performed during Freeman's career. Freeman's single-minded focus on lobotomies and his disregard for ethical concerns and the feelings of his patients have left a controversial legacy in the history of medicine.

    • LSD therapy in the mid-20th century: A risky approachDespite good intentions, LSD therapy in the mid-20th century caused more harm than good due to a lack of understanding of its effects.

      The use of LSD and other psychedelic drugs as a form of therapy in the mid-20th century, despite good intentions, ultimately caused more harm than good. This is evident in the case of Albert Watts, who underwent numerous LSD sessions under the guidance of Dr. Timothy Leary. Though Watts survived and eventually led a seemingly normal life, the practice of administering LSD to patients without proper understanding of its effects was a risky and often damaging approach. The medical community's acceptance of this treatment during a time when mental health care was otherwise lacking is a reminder of the complexities and challenges in the field of medicine. While we may look back on this era with a critical eye, it serves as a reminder that our current medical practices are not immune to future scrutiny. Additionally, the mistreatment of individuals with mental illnesses, such as violent criminals with undiagnosed head injuries, remains a significant issue that may be viewed similarly to the lobotomies of the past.

    • Comparing the pursuit of eradicating autism to eugenicsFocus on helping individuals with autism integrate into society instead of eradicating it. Recognize when scientific progress becomes harmful and adjust accordingly. Approach progress with a critical and ethical perspective.

      The pursuit of eradicating conditions like autism, despite good intentions, can be compared to eugenics and is a harmful approach. Instead, efforts should focus on helping individuals with autism integrate into society. The history of medical advancements shows that progress often involves trial and error, and while some methods may have negative consequences, they are necessary for scientific growth. However, it's crucial to recognize when these methods are being overused and adjust accordingly. Additionally, there are individuals in the medical field who are driven by curiosity and a desire to explore, leading to advancements, but their methods may not align with traditional medical practices. While these approaches can be unsettling, they often result in valuable discoveries. Ultimately, it's essential to approach scientific progress with a critical and ethical perspective, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the risks.

    • Daniel Van Kirk's November Performances and New Album ReleaseComedian Daniel Van Kirk performs at Largo and Petaluma in November. His new album, 'Don't Be A Dick,' is out on the 15th and can be bought online. He also hosts podcasts Dumb People Town and Pen Pals.

      Daniel Van Kirk, a comedian and podcast host, will be performing at various locations in November, including Largo and Petaluma, California. His new album, "Don't Be A Dick," drops on November 15th and can be pre-ordered or purchased on his website. Daniel also hosts podcasts "Dumb People Town" with the Sklar Brothers and Pen Pals with Rory Scovel. For those interested in community building, check out Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network that empowers individuals to connect with their neighbors. Mental health support is also available through BetterHelp, an online therapy platform. Lastly, Ryan, a fun-loving individual, recommends Chamba Casino for those seeking entertainment and ZYN nicotine pouches for those looking to quit smoking.

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    Sources:

    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

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    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    Sources:

    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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