Speed Meet a Scientist/Hero/Loser?

I've been at a meeting Galactic Archaeology for the week, and so have been busy at the Sydney Masonic Centre (note, however, being at a conference in your home city is not good, as you are only a few miles from "work"). Anyway, grumpy post. Major grump.

In the past, I've taken part in an event during National Science Week called "Speed Meet a Geek".

I think science week is a great idea, where scientists (who love to rabbit about their work) get an audience who really seems to enjoying it. I've loved doing it, chatting with children about cosmology, telescopes, being an astronomer, while on the table next to me was explaining the intricacies of quantum mechanics and the future of computers.

It is great stuff.

Except the name. I don't like "Speed meet a geek".

I know I have written about this before, but it has come to the fore as again, last week, I received an invite to take part in an event at Science Week. This was marketed to me as "Speed Meet a Scientist", and, of course, I am keen to take part. Until I looked at the public page for the event.

It's not "Speed Meet a Scientist", it's marketed as "Speed Meet a Geek".

I wrote to the organizers (the ABC), and told them that I (again) found the term "geek" insulting and derogatory. I said that, in this time where we gripe about children not being interested in science, labeling scientists as "geeks" (or nerds), is not particularly beneficial.

Apparently every Olympian is a hero, while a scientist is a "geek". Sheesh. What kid would want to think about the mysteries of the universe (and be labelled a geek) when you could plod up and down a pool all day and be lauded as a hero?

Anyway, my response was as expected. It's not an insult, it's a term of endearment!

It's always the name caller that sees no problem in the name.

The thing that pricked up my years was that out of the 120 scientists who have taken part in "Meet a Geek", only roughly five have complained about the word "geek". Apparently, it OK that "only" five people complained about being insulted when taking part in an event they have freely given up their time to take part in. Surely one complaint is enough?

Maybe I am being too sensitive, as some like to wear "geek-chic" on their sleeve. But I'd like to meet a scientist who likes to be called "geek" to their face.

The result. I am not taking part in "Speed Meet a Scientist/Geek" this year, and won't again until scientists are given a little more respect.

I will give my time freely, I will talk about the universe until I am hoarse, I will try to answer any question from a child or a centenarian with fairness and with reference to the evidence, I will go the extra-mile to show the wonder of science to everyone - at any time - and anywhere.

Just don't insult me, and call me a "geek", for doing so.


Location: Sydney NSW, Australia

Comments

  1. Brendon J. Brewer28 July 2012 at 08:20

    Good on you for taking a stand on this. It's funny how certain kinds of stereotyping are considered fine and others aren't. For example, the community had a large and completely justified negative reaction to "Science: It's a Girl Thing" debacle, but this geek thing was probably considered a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aaron Simonis13 August 2012 at 12:34

    Thanks to shows like The Big Bang Theory, 'geeks' are the new rock stars... I think what you are seeing here is a pop-sci approach to marketing.

    You are married to Penny, right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip Helbig12 September 2012 at 18:48

      My guess is that you are thinking of Penny Sackett. She is (or at least was; I haven't seen them in a while so I don't know) married to Frank Briggs, also an astronomer. They are both originally from the States (at least that is my guess based on their accents) and both worked at the Kapteyn Institute while I was there, which is where I met them (though IIRC I saw Penny at the gravitational-lens conference in Melbourne in 1995).

      Delete
  3. Cusp13 August 2012 at 14:34

    They might be the new rock-stars, but most scientists don't actually conform to the stereotypes portrayed in the show.

    Nope, not married to Penny. Married to a medical physicist.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ggreybeard15 August 2012 at 15:36

    A justifiable grump. The geek label is demeaning to top scientists and you are right to boycott the event.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous16 August 2012 at 10:16

    Geraint, whilst I thoroughly enjoy The Big Bang Theory, I can understand your opposition to all scientists being described as "geeks" etc...Respect should be shown to the hard working scientists..Amateur astronomers are also stereo typed into the geek mould, which at times can be frustrating to deal with.

    ReplyDelete

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