We Need To Talk About Diversity in Science

Summary

This video addresses the lack of diversity among the top 25 science YouTubers, highlighting the absence of women, Black people, Indigenous people, and those with disabilities. It discusses the historical roots of science in Eurocentric views and racism, and the impact of institutional racism in STEM. The hosts propose actionable steps for the science community to combat racism, including promoting diverse voices and pushing for representation in institutions like Google and Facebook. They emphasize the importance of diverse perspectives for scientific innovation and the need for ongoing efforts to challenge systemic biases.

Takeaways

• 📊 The top 25 science YouTubers list is predominantly white, with the first solo woman appearing at number 24, highlighting a lack of diversity.
• 🌐 The absence of Black people, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities on the list underscores the racial and inclusivity issues in STEM and science communication.
• 🔬 Historically, science has been Eurocentric and racist, with figures like Carl Linnaeus categorizing humans into subspecies based on false and prejudiced characteristics.
• 🏛️ Institutions like the American Museum of Natural History have perpetuated racist ideologies, such as eugenics, which influenced discriminatory policies like immigration restrictions.
• 🧠 The belief in the objectivity of science overlooks the inherent biases introduced by humans, affecting the questions asked, the studies conducted, and the conclusions drawn.
• 👩‍🔬 Research has shown that diverse perspectives in science lead to more innovative ideas and higher citation rates, indicating the value of inclusivity in scientific discourse.
• 🏥 Examples of anti-Black racism in STEM include disparities in medical treatment and the infamous Tuskegee Experiment, which exploited Black bodies without consent.
• 📈 Studies reveal that minorities face significant barriers in STEM, being less likely to have their research published or to be promoted, despite equal qualifications.
• 💼 Tech giants like Google and Facebook have workforces that are not representative of the broader population, with leadership positions being predominantly white and male.
• 📢 As creators and consumers, there is a call to action to promote and engage with diverse voices in science communication, challenging the status quo and advocating for change.

Q & A

What was the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic discussed in the video was the issue of race and representation in the STEM community, particularly in science communication on YouTube, and the need to address institutional racism.

What was surprising about the top 25 science YouTubers list?

It was surprising that the list was predominantly white, with the first solo woman appearing at number 24, and no representation of Black people, Indigenous people, or people with disabilities.

How does the video relate historical science to current issues of racism?

The video connects historical science, which was often Eurocentric and racist, to current issues by showing how early classifications and misconceptions have influenced the lack of diversity in the field.

What example of historical racism in science was mentioned in the video?

The video mentioned Carl Linnaeus's incorrect classification of humans into four distinct subspecies based on race and stereotypes, which was adopted by the king of France and influenced later racist ideologies.

Why is diversity in science important according to the video?

Diversity in science is important because it brings different perspectives and experiences, which can lead to more innovative ideas and a broader understanding of scientific phenomena.

What is the 'Diversity Paradox' mentioned in the video?

The 'Diversity Paradox' refers to the finding that while minorities are more likely to have innovative ideas, they are less likely to be given academic positions or opportunities for advancement.

What are some tangible goals suggested in the video to change the institution of science?

Some tangible goals suggested include actively highlighting diverse voices in science communication, pushing for more diverse hiring and promotion initiatives within institutions, and advocating for transparency in recruitment practices from universities to tech companies.

How does the video suggest that creators can contribute to anti-racism?

Creators can contribute to anti-racism by making an effort to highlight and amplify voices that are different from their own, and by being more inclusive in the content they produce.

What role do social media platforms play in perpetuating or addressing racial bias, as discussed in the video?

Social media platforms play a significant role in racial bias through their algorithms and content promotion policies. The video suggests that these platforms should be more transparent about their workforce diversity and the design of their algorithms.

What action does the video encourage viewers to take?

The video encourages viewers to acknowledge their own biases, push themselves to engage with diverse perspectives, and participate in discussions and actions that challenge institutional racism in science.