Unpacking Bias of Life in the Void

Unpacking Bias of Life in the Void

By: Emma F.

           

           

            Author Mary Roach is known for writing about peculiar subjects, but in her most outlandish work yet Packing For Mars: The Curious Case of Life in the Void Roach truly tackles the unknown. In Packing For Mars Roach analyzes what happens behind the scenes when astronauts are sent off to where no man has traveled before. From the very first space launch to present day space travels Roach investigates what it truly takes to be an astronaut. Whether it be origami bird making in space training or the construction of rocket toilets Roach gets the inside look.

            Because Roach is not an astronaut nor is she interested in being one, most of what she discovers is relayed through those who have experienced the struggles of going into space first hand. However, the people Roach chooses to interview create a bias throughout the book. Roach chooses to speak with only astronauts who have had incredibly extraordinary experiences. Although this makes for an interesting story, in doing so Roach neglects those who have had much more mundane and monotonous stays in space. Roach intends to give her reader an intimate look at space travel but instead ends up misleading her readers with a one-sided version.

            Roach also uses bias to engage her readers with her humor. Although a much less sizable form of bias than the previously discussed, by adding her subjective comments Roach influences the reader to think of situations certain ways. In fact, after hearing one astronaut's story Roach comments that "This is difficult to believe." This influences readers to discredit this source because of Roach's predisposition to what is believable or not. By framing events with her own opinions Roach conditions her readers to think about events with a certain attitude whether it be cynical or commending.

            Although it is not an entirely objective look into life in the void, Packing For Mars is still worth the read. Its slight partiality does not change the fact that it was vastly entertaining while still being immensely insightful. Aspiring cosmonaut or not, all of Roach's readers are in for an enjoyable read.