Initially when I first read the assignment for this week I
was lost and extremely conflicted. Maybe because I did not understand the scope
of the topic at hand or maybe because it had never occurred to me that this
“two culture” mentality is of any consequence. If discussing this topic
occupationally, then I agree with CP Snow’s idea of “two cultures” with a
severe lack of communication. Throughout my four years as a physiology major, I
have witnessed this at UCLA in the shape of North and South Campus. Each side
with distinguishing characteristics and tell-tale signs that one is the polar
opposite of the other. Personally, as a science major I know that there are
days when I have found myself on North Campus looking on at the happy-go-lucky
humanitarian majors with their colorful attire and bright smiles, often singing
and dancing. I often think to myself that life is easier for them, at least in
academia. Maybe the grass is just greener on the other side or maybe I was just
unlucky that my one true passion in life is just harder to initially attain,
but it is certainly not without its advantages, for example, socioeconomic
stability being. I guess in this sense I agree with CP Snow’s idea of the Rich
and the Poor.
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| An image of two bruins: one from North campus on the right and one from South campus on the left. |
However, when discussing leisurely activities I see the
opposite occur. Art and science become an almost free for all with scientists
discussing art not only amongst themselves but also with artists and vice
versa. Take for instance, the California Science Center, which contains characteristics
of both art and science. It is separated into “exhibits” like a museum but is
filled with scientific information, which is open to the public to interpret
for themselves.
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| Endeavor Space Shuttle at the California Science Center |
Another perfect example, is the genre of science fiction, which is a successful mixture of both science and art, open to both cultures to enjoy equally and also introduces a medium to which both cultures can communicate with each other. Personally I am a huge comic book reader and while most of the science behind these stories is a tad extravagant I still indulge in the creativity behind these stories. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/1112_041112_incredible_superhero_science.html
While there are many interpretations on how art and science
may or may not interact, it really depends on the individual’s perspective and
experience in these fields. For example, I work in a lab where both creativity
and visual tools are necessary in order to run successful experiments. This is
also true for many scientific/clinical labs, such as Dr. Atala’s lab in Wake
Forest University, who uses scaffolds in order to shape and create organs that
can later be transplanted into patients (like a sculptor).
Works Cited
"Anthony Atala: Growing New Organs." YouTube. Tedxtalk. Web. 28 June 2014.
Endeavor Space Shuttle. Digital image. Www.nasa.gov. Web. 28 June 2014.
"Lighter Workload for North Campus Students ..." Daily Bruin. 3 Mar. 2011. Web. 28 June
2014.
Lovgren, Stefan. "The Science of Superheroes: Beyond
"The Incredibles"" National
Geographic. National Geographic Society, 12 Nov. 2004. Web. 28 June 2014.
Snow, C. P. “Two
Cultures and the Scientific Revolution.” Reading. 1959. New York: Cambridge UP,
1961. Print.
