Extra Credit #2

 The Public Reacts to "Catching Fire"

 

From my research, it appears most the public got wind of Wrangham's theories in the summer of 2009. Before I typed my research keywords into the google search box, I prepared myself for the scathing criticisms I would have to sort through to find information to answer the third prompt on page 81. However, I was very surprised. After reading reviews of “Catching Fire,” I could not find evidence of controversy over Wrangham's developed humanistic theories. Although this certainly does not mean critical readers do not exist, for the most part it appears the public received Wrangham's book with a positive. 

The public was very surprised by the connections Wrangham made between history and science and our way of life. Also, the public and authors of both reviews I read appear to agree with Wrangham's theory. They seem on some level to be persuaded by Wrangham's text, perhaps by his use of logos and even ethos throughout the article. 

Additionally, the responses include questions about the future and about our current lifestyle. For example, in the New York Times Article, the benefits of a vegetarian diet are doubted because of Wrangham's pro-meat theory. In the second review by the Slate, the author questions whether human beings will alter their lifestyles because of the new acknowledged benefits.

Garner, Dwight. "Books of The Times - ‘Catching Fire’ by Richard Wrangham - Humans, the Cooking Apes - Review - NYTimes.com." The New York Times Books. The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia, 26 May 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/books/27garn.html?pagewanted=all>.

Kenneally, Christine. "Richard Wrangham's Catching Fire." Slate Home. Slate Magazine, 3 June 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.slate.com/id/2219162/>.