nuclear rites
"Nuclear Rites" is a book based on fieldwork of Professor Hugh Gusterson who conducted his research at a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, near San Francisco. As an anthropologist and a former antinuclear activist, the author set outto examine the scientists in order to understand why they do what they do. He was convinced that the American public needs a cultural perspective when it comes to nuclear weapons. In order to understand the arms race we must understand the people who design these nuclear weapons. The main thesis of this book is to present the reader the ideology and a socialization processes held by the nuclear scientists. Are these weapons of mass destruction designed only to deter wars, not to fight them? Is it moral and ethical to work on them? Both the liberal and conservative scientists express agreement on this issue. The author aims to understand the scientist frame of mind, thus revealing the culture that has developed in their community to the general public. People involved in designing nuclear weapons and people involved in antinuclear movements have different but deeply held convictions. The scientists see their work as
Embarrassed because of their affiliation with the Livermore lab the UC faculty and students opposed the contract extension. They have more time, freedom and resources to research, because they don't have to teach. They can't defeat each other because neither side is absolutely wrong or absolutely right. The main problem between these two parties is their inability to see other side's worthiness of their causes. Its personnel consist mostly of white males. The scientists are deeply convinced that their work is essential to our national and international security. However, churches in Livermore ignored these statements. This categorizing of people creates taboos that are engraved in their daily consciousness. How is it possible to blend all these characters into one culture? "The lab resocializes recruits and constructs itself as a moral and political community in which people with diverse political belief systems can participate"(41). The scientists receive a great deal of moral support from their local religious clergy. There is a fierce rivalry between the two. The segregation and secrecy of the lab can create a complex situation at home. If this money was spent for education, hospitals, transportation and other social programs there would be less crime and poverty and our communities would be much safer and enjoyable. It's the second largest laboratory of its kind. They design nuclear weapons because they believe unquestionably in deterrence and that nuclear weapons will never be used.
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