Mid-Semester Essay Ideas
I brainstormed many issues that could be written for the mid-semester essay and these ideas are listed below:
1. Misrepresentation of Women and Minorities in Science
For this idea, I would use the book analyzed by the class, Radioactive, and the movie Hidden Figures to discuss the events that took place showing how women and minorities are looked down upon in the field of science. The way the characters in these pieces were portrayed compared to their white male counterparts is sad and should never happen again for the future of scientific history. I would like to discuss how these women in history were able to defy all odds and portray significant scientific findings and possibly add some other examples on how women can be more appreciated in science. Lastly, this idea would end by explaining how these women paved a path for a future generation of women scientists to belong in the main group of scientists making certain discoveries. Different perspectives on a problem can actually help solve a solution quicker and easier than if there is prejudice within scientists.
2. The Formation of the Scientific Field and White Supremacy Culture
In this section, I would discuss how the scientific field has characteristics of a white supremacy culture when looking at the article, “White Supremacy Culture” by Okun. These characteristics are also shown in the movie, Hidden Figures, and how the physics community during that period of time was rude and made those who were discriminated against upset they couldn’t get a chance to prove they can make great discoveries as well. One of the characteristics that is particularly in my mind is the idea that there is only one right way to do things and there is no adaption or change made. In this instance, it’s important for people to recognize there are several different ways to perform a task and change may be the spark needed to make new discoveries. There can also be examples pulled from the Traweek reading to show the evidence of a hierarchy in the system and how the scientific field can be toxic toward others when people are determined to make a discovery to abuse their status compared to the minorities.
3. Ethical Debate for the creation of the Atomic Bomb
This topic is more of a debate between what is the definition of ethics when it comes to deadly scientific findings such as the atomic bomb. I can use the example from article, “The Uncle of the Atomic Bomb” to help give the readers an understanding of how these scientists felt creating this weapon and the plans to refrain from using the bomb weren’t presented to the government at that time. The US was willing to do virtually anything in order for us to have the advantage and power shown throughout the world after the bombs were dropped. I will also be gaining more information on this topic that mention the US and the events that led up to the eventual bombing that would change the world forever since innocent citizens of Japan were killed only for the US prove a point and get revenge for what they did to the US first.
