The story of Henrietta Lacks and how her cancer cells were captured and distributed is rooted in a fixed time and place in history. By the end of “Part Two: Death,” there have been numerous examples of how race relations and disparate opportunities framed Henrietta’s particular case, as well as examples of historical practices dating back to slavery. In addition to how medical research was conducted, there are many social aspects of the Lacks family story that are framed in the book in racial terms, including their relationship to the white Lackses in Clover and their distrust of Johns Hopkins and the medical establishment.
PART ONE (at least 300 words)
Reflect on at least two remarkable facts from the book in which race played a significant role (“facts” are verifiable events or information, not a writer’s opinion or feelings). Cite the exact pages on which the facts appear in your edition.
The two facts in which race has a role must come from different chapters, at least one of which must come from “Part 2: Death.” Feel free to start your own discussion thread or join one already in progress as long as you’re contributing new angles, ideas, or interpretations.
What surprises you or intrigues you about this information? How do you think these facts might contribute to conspiracy theories about the medical establishment in the African American community?
PART TWO (at least 200 words)
Respond respectfully to another student’s posting (SEE ATTACHED POSTING); See what you can add to the conversation, corroborate, and compare to other examples inside and outside the book.
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