Nature vs. Nurture: A Look at “As Nature Made Him”
As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl
Have you ever wondered how much of who we are is shaped by nature and how much by nurture?
John Colapinto’s “As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl,” published in 2000, delves into this age-old question with the compelling, and deeply unsettling,
true story of David Reimer.
This biography offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex interplay between biology and upbringing, challenging conventional wisdom and sparking crucial conversations about gender identity and societal expectations.
A Boy’s Life Interrupted
“As Nature Made Him” chronicles the life of David Reimer, whose life took a dramatic turn after a botched circumcision at infancy.
Under the guidance of psychologist John Money, a strong proponent of the idea that gender identity is primarily a product of social learning, David was raised as a girl named Brenda.
Money saw David’s case as a perfect opportunity to prove his theory.
What unfolded, however, was a tragic tale of misguidance and profound suffering, ultimately revealing the limitations of nurture when pitted against the powerful forces of nature.
The Structure of “As Nature Made Him”
Colapinto masterfully structures “As Nature Made Him” chronologically, allowing the reader to witness David/Brenda’s life unfold from infancy through adolescence and adulthood.
The book’s strength lies not only in its meticulous research and detailed account of events but also in its ability to portray the emotional turmoil experienced by David and his family.
The author presents the complex scientific and psychological theories surrounding sexual differentiation in an accessible way, avoiding jargon and making the information understandable for a broad audience.
While the book’s focus primarily rests on David’s experience, perhaps a more in-depth exploration of the broader ethical implications of Money’s practices could have further enriched the narrative.
Unraveling the Complexities of “As Nature Made Him”
“As Nature Made Him” offers a sensitive and unflinching look at David’s life, revealing his struggles to adapt to a gender identity that felt inherently wrong.
Colapinto recounts David’s early childhood experiences, including the forced feminization therapies imposed by Money, detailing the resulting emotional distress and confusion.
Readers follow David as he fights against attempts to shape his sense of self.
These memories show his deep-rooted sense of being male despite being raised as a girl.
“As Nature Made Him” continues with David’s life as an adolescent struggling with self-harm and depression which eventually led to his decision to transition back to living as a male.
The book highlights the courage it took David finally transition back to male.
In “As Nature Made Him”, David’s journey provides an extraordinary example of resilience. It exemplifies the enduring strength of human nature.
The reader journeys with David through the ups and downs of his life, observing his attempts to reconcile his past with his present. Colapinto describes David’s process of coming to terms with his upbringing without judgment or sensationalization.
The book does not shrink away from the complex emotions. It conveys to the reader just how much hardship the situation caused.
Unveiling Nature’s Influence
“As Nature Made Him” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the nature versus nurture debate, providing a crucial counterpoint to the prevailing social constructivist views that were dominant at the time.
The book’s compassionate portrayal of David’s experience compels readers to confront the ethical dilemmas inherent in manipulating gender identity.
More than just a biography, “As Nature Made Him” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting individual differences and the profound influence of biology on our sense of self.
“As Nature Made Him” provides a critical and important viewpoint, not only of the specific incident under study, but on the much larger subject of how our understanding of gender identity is still evolving, and is often incomplete.
You can learn more about the fascinating subject of nature versus nurture in this article about the nature versus nurture debate on Wikipedia.
A Must-Read Exploration of Identity
“As Nature Made Him” is a gripping and emotionally resonant read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in psychology, gender studies, or the complexities of human identity.
It’s a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the long-standing nature versus nurture debate and a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
“As Nature Made Him”, a truly remarkable piece, gives us all a chance to challenge some deeply ingrained assumptions and to consider crucial questions about what shapes us into who we are.
