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The science is clear: Early adversity dramatically affects health across a lifetime." -Nadine Burke Harris |
The TED Talk was about the influence of childhood trauma on adult behavior and well-being. She discussed the science behind the correlation between adverse childhood experiences and overall health. Holden Caulfield's past is filled with distressful occurrences, from his younger brother Allie's death to potential sexual abuse. One thing she found that made the connection to Holden was the association with high risk behavior. Holden is known to engage in substance abuse, either in the form of cigarettes or alcohol. For example, he get very drunk late at night after meeting with Carl Luce and drinks until he cannot see (Salinger 150). His alcoholism may be a coping mechanism for some traumatic event in his past. The speaker also brings up the subject of fight or flight responses. She then goes on to discuss how frequent stress activation eventually develops into a damaging process for one's health. This is evident in Holden's weak fight or flight response as he shirks his responsibilities and avidly avoids conflict. For example, he says that he has been unsuccessful in the few fight he has been in and he thinks of himself as more of a pacifist (Salinger 46). Holden's passive demeanor could be explained by stressful events of his childhood. The speaker explains other risks imposed on individuals, including suicidal tendencies. Holden contemplates the concept of death throughout the novel. For example, he felt like jumping out the window after his physical altercation with Maurice (Salinger 104).
His fascination with death is problematic to say the least, but it is also a direct result of his risky behavior and passivity. I appreciate the message the speech conveyed and it made the American Dream of having a fulfilled life hard to obtain as there are multiple considerable factors that may inhibit this.