In-Process Post #1: Ben Carson (A Living Legend?)

I just finished reading Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story which is Ben Carson’s autobiography. It was published in the late ‘90’s but I was especially interested in reading it this year because Ben Carson announced today that he is running for president in 2016. He became a poster boy for extremely conservative voters earlier this past summer when he stood up and argued extensively with many of president Obama’s policies at an exclusive event that he was invited too. My mom had recommended that I read this book as I am somewhat interested in neurosurgery but seeing that Carson was a serious contender for the 2016 election sparked my interest anew. As this is the first election I will be voting in it has been in the back of my mind to actually become an informed voter. On both sides of the political spectrum there are voters who refuse to actually get a full picture of the candidates and they stick to their partisan lines. I do not want to be one of them; they are the problem. That was my impetus for reading the autobiography, and here are my thoughts after reading it:

Ben Carson is very unique. He grew up in impoverished Detroit, and his illiterate single mother struggled to raise him and keep him well fed and in school throughout his childhood. Carson starts from the very beginning of his story, capturing many moments in elementary school perfectly. The racism that Carson experienced, especially during his years spent at predominantly White grade schools, could not derail him from his aspirations. Carson’s mother saw something special in him and tried her best to support her son but outbreaks of extreme mental illness prevented her from doing this job sufficiently. Carson begins the book with a lengthy recognition the outstanding effort put forth by his mother, which is meaningful considering the very successful life he has led since. Carson forged his own path out of poverty. He was told that he could send one college application, because his mother could only afford to pay the $10 once. He chose Yale, and got in with a full scholarship. A major theme throughout Carson’s life in the autobiography, and the developments in his life since, is his belief in God. I find this particularly interesting because he is a man of science as well. He has to be for the kind of procedures he carries out. The balance between Carson’s faith and his procedural ability to complete brain surgery is intriguing. Before every procedure he sat down with the parents of the patient (he mostly focused on pediatric neurosurgery) and insisted that they say a prayer. Sometimes this would make the parents nervous but it was a crucial ritual for Carson and he insists that it was integral to his success. 

Carson’s candidacy has not been going that well. Earlier today Time (http://time.com/3845535/ben-carson-the-gops-accidental-candidate-for-president/) published an article explaining that Ben Carson has repeatedly and explicitly said he “does not want to be a politician.” This is concerning to me as a reader, especially considering that when asked what his reaction would be to losing he said “Whew! Because it’s not something I really want to do.” A bizarre series of events led Carson to actually enter the race. This summer he generated more money than Hillary did. He thinks that it would be wrong to not run because of the outcry of support that he has received. I’m fascinated by Carson’s unpredictability. Who would think that the first preeminent black neurosurgeon in America, famous for his separation of twins conjoined at the head, would be a very conservative God-loving, pro-life presidential candidate? Not me, I know that much.