This film is very well done. Shaken Baby Syndrome is a term that is sometimes used to prosecute parents and caregivers of babies who develop brain injuries. The film calls in to question the lack of science behind this syndrome and how over-zealous prosecutors have used this syndrome to convict and imprison hundreds of people and take children away from families. There are numerous other illnesses, accidents, and medical conditions that can cause trauma to the brain and often a misdiagnosis can cause significant problems for people who's children are misdiagnosed. In fact, many doctors and scientists now believe that the syndrome is a myth and does not really exist. The 3 doctors who came up with the syndrome also were responsible for an earlier syndrome called Satanic Ritual Abuse that was used to spread hysteria and many people were accused and convicted of abusing children for satanic purposes in the 1980s. Overtime many experts came to regard Satanic Ritual Abuse as having no credence. This film does a good job showing how believing "experts" without questioning their beliefs or validating their "science" of their beliefs can lead to major problems. It also shows how egos, self interest, irrationality, and cognitive dissonance can cause people to hold on to beliefs that are not backed up by science.
5 Reviews
Just as we see today, a small group controls the narrative and impacts the entire culture.
eric2158826 June 2023
Just as we see today, An individual or small group with a lot of influence has the power to control a narrative that impacts the entire culture and has tremendous effects. In this case, just like many others, with little or no actual science or facts to back up their claims.
Critical thinking and personal research are so very valuable and necessary.
They did a great job of laying out the information, usual actual quotes and voice clips and videos to substantiate all their evidence and basis for the case they were making.
Also note, the changing of the terminology is something we see today as well.
Critical thinking and personal research are so very valuable and necessary.
They did a great job of laying out the information, usual actual quotes and voice clips and videos to substantiate all their evidence and basis for the case they were making.
Also note, the changing of the terminology is something we see today as well.
great investigative filmmaking
verhovenmark27 February 2016
THE SYNDROME took me on a terrifying and very informative journey into the world of scientists doctors journalists and lawyers who are all uncovering that the so called "Shaken Baby Syndrome" is not scientifically valid. But the theory helped to prosecute many innocent people currently in prison. While of course it is not recommended to shake a baby, many innocent people are prosecuted with the help of what seems to be a lobby of shaken baby proponents. They are trying to silence their critics.
The filmmakers did an amazing job in their research. This is a great example of investigative filmmaking.
Hopefully this documentary can change the way these cases are seen and make our world a better place.
The filmmakers did an amazing job in their research. This is a great example of investigative filmmaking.
Hopefully this documentary can change the way these cases are seen and make our world a better place.
Eye Opening Documentary on Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)
jacobzetino17 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I found that in this film it covers a wide range of material into the subject matter such and Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and bringing awareness about it's "junk science". Director Meryl and her cousin Susan Goldsmith, an award winning journalist into matters of child neglect and abuse are both do well to carefully and not overtly accuse that the same three physicians, Drs. David Chadwick, Robert Reece and Carole Jenny who drove and started the devil worship/abuse panic in the 1980's which was eventually debunked, are the same three till this day who have much to gain and profit from SBS. In light of much controversy have changed the name to Abusive Head Trauma to avoid losing face. I have to disagree with Hollywood Reporter and LA Times review of the documentary. They would realize the goal of such works as this is to bring to light and awareness to a subject that seems so little at first glance, but this issue has incarcerated about 1,000 or more known do to this matter. Doctors are required to look for the three symptoms of SBS and report it immediately or they too can be fined and imprisoned. Now with that said these charged Au Pairs, babysitters, daycare owners, and parents who have been imprisoned or charged with SBS abuse cases are all hospital based charges that can range from First Degree Murder, Manslaughter, and Child Abuse to name a few. Most important thing was that again all hospital based, and not one CPS agent, CSI, or Detective on location arrests occur, and alleged are arrested after they bring the child or baby to hospital, and when physician uses the symptoms of what was given to them by the "Three" they then notify authorities, which the officers are obviously going to take the word of the physician. You are treated as an offender or murderer for brining child even your own child to hospital. I applaud the Goldsmiths, and the physicians who did come forward and physicians who have been battling the "Three" and have themselves brought to court charged with perjury and other court crimes in an attempt to silence them. The Film Journal International had great review of this documentary and here is quote; "This thought-provoking documentary presents a compelling case that "shaken baby syndrome" doesn't exist, and that this diagnosis fuels a self-perpetuating myth."
A must see films and thus my review and vote!
A must see films and thus my review and vote!
Abusive Societal Trauma
Jaffe1 November 2018
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