Unveiling the Dark Side of Medical Progress: Archiving Medical Violence

In his groundbreaking book, Archiving Medical Violence, author Christopher Perreira sheds light on the disturbing reality of the U.S. public health system, shaped by fraught perceptions of culture, race, and criminality. This thought-provoking study challenges the notion of national and scientific progress, revealing the dark underbelly of medical advancement.

A Critical Examination of Medical Violence

Perreira’s innovative and interdisciplinary approach delves into the contradictions of settler colonialism and racial capitalism, exposing how medical violence is narrated as a public good. Through a series of case studies set in diverse locations – including Hawaii, California, Louisiana, and Guatemala – and covering a range of historical periods from the 19th century onwards, Perreira presents a compelling argument.

By juxtaposing official archives with visual and literary works, patient writings, and more, Archiving Medical Violence reveals the contested public terrains for narrating value and vulnerabilities, bodies, and geographical locations. This revelatory study exposes the medical imaginary built on racialized criminality, driving contemporary politics of citizenship, memory, and identity.

Unpacking the Medical Archive

Perreira’s meticulous research centers on how the medical archive is produced, remembered, and contested within cultural production and critical memory. This crucial perspective highlights the engine of medical progress and the production of empire, forcing us to reexamine our understanding of national and scientific progress.

As we navigate the complexities of medical violence, Archiving Medical Violence invites us to confront the darker aspects of our collective past, present, and future. This essential book is a vital addition to the shelves of scholars, researchers, and policymakers seeking to better understand the intricate web of power, identity, and health.

Accessibility Features

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Product Details:
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
Publication Date: October 10, 2023
Language: English
ISBN: 9781517907129, 9781452960739