American Experience: Rachel Carson's Silent Spring

Rachel Carson’s life, work and legacy are covered succinctly in this documentary, first broadcast two decades ago as part of the PBS series “American Experience.” In less than an hour, we learn the essential facts of her life as a woman dedicated both to her family and to the natural environment.Carson conducted limited field work as a marine biologist but distinguished herself as a writer and editor for the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s scientific publications. She gained initial fame for her natural history, “The Sea Around Us,” published in 1951. In the late 50’s and early 60’s she turned her attention to the widespread aerial spraying of pesticides and wrote “Silent Spring,” a cri de coeur that woke people up to the thoughtless way we spread chemicals around our environment. One segment vividly captures the contrast between Carson’s environmental spirit and the attitude of the chemical giants. While Carson speaks about understanding how all species are interrelated and the necessity for greater care in our interactions with flora and fauna, a chemical company scientist bluntly dismisses that as nonsense because in modern times “Man controls nature.”Carson’s writing was a major influence in the emergence of the environmental movement. How powerful was her message about man’s responsibility to nature? Over 50 years after her death, chemical companies still pour millions into campaigns to discredit her. The fact that she was dying of cancer during the years she defended her thesis before the public adds a poignant element to the story. This documentary shows Rachel Carson to be a woman of courage and integrity whose writing continues to inspire many today.

The story this video shares is very eye opening and interesting. Even today, years later it still holds a lot of information that people should pay attention to. A good example of just because something seems great and wonderful doesn't mean you shouldn't question it.

one mandatory book to begin to understand about climate change

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson helped spark the environmental movement of the sixties and led to many changes in how pesticides were used. This WGBH Public TV documentary is part of the American Experience series and includes historic footage of the indiscriminate use of DDT and other persistent pesticides after WWII. Rachel Carson was viciously attacked in the media and called a Communist, ignorant scientist and a hysterical woman for her efforts to protect the health of both humans and nature.Rachel Carson was not the first person to warn of the dangers of these powerful chemicals. She was the first person who was able to gather the documentation to make a case against widespread spraying of our countryside. Her book was a best seller and was translated into many languages.Rachel Carson was not against pesticides outright. She was against the widespread aerial spraying that killed hundreds of people, horses; and vast numbers of butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife. DDT contaminated milk and other food items and killed important crop pollinators. DDT caused egg shell thinning and reproductive failures in our national symbol, the Bald Eagle and put this and other wildlife on a downward trend that lasted for decades due to the persistence of the nerve agents used.I believe Rachel Carson would consider the use of pesticides in the homes of African villagers exposed to Malaria carrying mosquitoes as a prudent use of chemicals to protect ones health. This is what the World Health Organization is proposing in Africa.This 55 minute DVD is a fine way to understand the significance of Silent Spring and how it changed America and led to safety standards for workers and how the chemicals were applied. It includes scientists and spokespersons from the pesticide industry who gave their side of the story in the sixties. I am thankful that then President John Kennedy listened to what this quiet woman with a passion for nature said and instituted the changes needed to protect our health and safety.

This superb short film documents with images and interviews from Carson's time both the horrors of pesticide use and the deliberate viciousness of those companies and individuals organized against her simple truths.

gave it to a 12 y.o. girl as gift, she can take it to school to share. Rachel Carson is a great role model for young women who care about the environment.

Excellent DVD! My favorite scientist!

good introduction to an important American icon.

Rachel Carson's ” Silent Spring”メッセージ：「このＤＶＤはユーザーの国/地域での再生が禁止されているため再生できません。地域に合ったディスクを入手してください。」国内で販売するものは制約なしで取り扱えるものを販売してほしい。2.松原健之　”歌の旅人”　未着