The word inoculate takes on several meanings, the most well-known being to introduce an antigen into the body to create immunity, but it also can be used to describe introducing something into the mind. On Immunity: An Inoculation by Eula Biss, is in a sense, just that, an inoculation. From pulling information from all different directions to educate and introduce the reader to many different attitudes concerning vaccines. Biss often relates her personal experiences with her son throughout the book, which shows how her primary opinion has developed while writing this novel. She also creates a diverse point of view by displaying the vulnerabilities and worries of a mother, as well as presenting the analytical and rational observations of a non-fiction writer. Biss writes, “I could appreciate what it …show more content…
While discussing toxins and mercury containing vaccines, Biss eloquently differentiates fear and reality by stating, “If we do not yet know exactly what the presence of a vast range of chemicals in umbilical cord blood and breast milk might mean for the future of our children’s health, we do at least know that we are no cleaner, even at birth, than our environment at large. We are already polluted.” This is a very persuasive yet truth-provoking concept, which it brings the reader to a revelation. Before Biss introduces this idea, she expresses her own fear of toxins by relating it to breastfeeding and the first time her son drank water wanting to scream “Unclean! Unclean!” just like the heroine from Dracula. With this example, she starts with a common ground on a controversial issue, playing it up with a personal and emotional event, then cuts to a very factual counter argument that blows the first perspective out of the water. Biss’ timely delivery of information allows the reader to assume she is may be becoming slightly