The Myth of the Male Genius: Science Needs Everyone to Thrive
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The Illusion of the Lone Male Genius
The concept of the solitary male genius has long been entrenched in our understanding of science. This archetype depicts a brilliant, often eccentric man working alone in a lab, a romanticized figure celebrated in history, literature, and culture. From Sherlock Holmes to Nikola Tesla, and even fictional characters like Rick Sanchez from Rick and Morty, the image persists. In earlier civilizations, this idea can be traced back to figures like Gilgamesh.
This notion thrives in patriarchal societies that elevate male ambition and intellect, often placing these individuals on pedestals. While their achievements are lauded, many of these men exhibit toxic masculine traits. Toxic masculinity is damaging not only to women and those who defy traditional gender roles, but also to men themselves, fostering a culture of coldness and fragile egos. Some of these men are charismatic manipulators who enjoy wielding power.
The Reckoning in STEM
The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are currently undergoing significant scrutiny. Many professionals are now vocalizing their discontent with the misconduct of male figures in science, both historical and contemporary. Figures like Charles Darwin, James Watson, and various Nobel laureates have been criticized for their treatment of women and their unethical practices. The STEM community is increasingly unwilling to ignore these issues, leading to the formation of groups like MeTooSTEM to combat harassment.
At a recent Diversity in STEM symposium, Dr. Sharona Gordon addressed the National Academy of Sciences' consideration of expelling members found guilty of sexual harassment. While many supported the change, there was notable resistance, exemplified by a prominent MIT professor questioning whether a member's misconduct affected their scientific credibility. This resistance highlights the inherent conflict between protecting the reputation of male scientists and addressing their harmful behaviors.
Revisiting the Legacy of Male Geniuses
Consider the case of Dr. W. French Anderson, often referred to as the father of gene therapy, who was convicted of molestation. Despite his crimes, he has maintained his innocence and seeks to re-enter the scientific community, raising uncomfortable questions about how society treats such individuals. Should an 82-year-old man, found guilty of a heinous crime, be allowed to continue his work in science? The answer seems clear: allowing this would not serve the integrity of science.
There are numerous examples where we excuse the destructive behavior of male figures in science, such as Watson and Crick, who undermined Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to the discovery of DNA. Had they not succeeded, it’s possible that other women in science would have made similar breakthroughs. Perhaps their achievements were less about inherent genius and more about timing and privilege.
The Toxic Environment in STEM
Allegations of sexual misconduct also surround renowned physicist Lawrence Krauss. This type of behavior creates a hostile environment for women in science. Many women have left STEM fields due to such toxic behavior from influential men. The scientific community often demands undeniable proof before acting on allegations, placing the burden on victims instead of addressing the behavior of the accused.
Even Richard Feynman, a respected figure in physics, has faced scrutiny for his misogynistic actions. Discussions about separating a scientist's work from their personal conduct raise ethical dilemmas. Feynman’s past behavior, including predatory actions and abuse, complicates the narrative of his contributions to science. While many continue to celebrate his work, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of excusing such behavior.
The Power Dynamics of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is fundamentally about power. Dr. Gordon aptly noted that harassers wield their influence to punish those who challenge gender norms. This dynamic allows their unacceptable behavior to persist, often with impunity. By holding these individuals accountable, we can begin to dismantle the toxic environments they create.
We must ask ourselves: what holds more value, the contributions of a single male genius who has committed acts of harassment, or the collective progress of a scientific community that operates free from misogyny and abuse? As advocates for science, the answer should be unequivocally in favor of the latter.
The Path Forward for Science
It is crucial to recognize that science is a collaborative effort where everyone plays a role. The myth of the irreplaceable male genius is not only misleading but detrimental to progress. We must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment in STEM. By fostering an environment free from sexism and abuse, we can ensure that science thrives and advances more rapidly.
Sarah Olson is a science writer and feminist based in Oregon, where she studies microbiology. Her reviews of popular science literature can be found at readmorescience.com.