Science and Feminism: Where to Go from Here?

Merging transcendental principles and partisan politics brings unique challenges in science, especially considering America’s current social climate. Folks are often only exposed to two polarizing points of view. Voters often come to the table wanting answers in binary: yes or no. Are you vaccinating your kids? Abstinence or sexual education? Is climate change a hoax? Capitalism or socialism? Black or white? Red or blue?

Politics polarize our thoughts to make voting easier. You’re part of a team with one opponent. Unfortunately, this belittles issues by forming overtly simple answers to increasingly complicated questions. Political marches often leave me frustrated and perplexed as they perpetuate this perception of being either “for” or “against” something. Inclusive conversation is often evaded, seeking to propel their own agenda forwards. Science and feminism are becoming increasingly popular platforms for individuals my age and are used as focal points for political rallies (don’t get me wrong, I love this wave of interest), which makes me uneasy. I look towards the future and wonder if “pro-science” will be my generation’s reincarnation of “pro-choice”.

Marches are enormous, but they are also generally one dimensional. I have seen many begin with heartfelt passion, but ultimately divulge into this pit of fury as many feel they were failed by America’s financially-driven democratic process, which extends to anyone who does not share their own view of freedom, justice, or God-given (whichever deity they prefer) rights. I feel this has made feminism a polarizing concept, which makes me sad, I don’t know how else to describe it. “Oh, I believe in equality, but I’m not a **shudders** feminist!” The public’s perception of science is also suffering the same fate. This dichotomy is directly contrary to the core tenets of these ideologies, which are predicated upon inclusive practices whereby all are judged equally, without biases of religion, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual identity, or creed.

The civil rights movement in the 1960’s appeared to succeed directly opposed to how my generation is fighting for equality. Activists of that era lie Martin Luther King simply stated, “I have a dream”, and brought universally accepted truth to a black and white world. The same idea as modern-day social justice – to strengthen disparaged communities – but done by creating a tide that lifted all ships. MLK took a profound message and transformed it into a exposition on the human condition. Racial discrimination and poverty were not merely political arguments, but human ones. Science and modern-day feminism are similar in their humanistic approach. Folks of all generations desire to understand their physical environment, be viewed as equals, and be part of something bigger than themselves (a team).

Science and feminism appear to both influence and be influenced by public policy, but they cannot (and should not) be reduced to a vehicle of public ideologies. Science provides a method to analyze, record, and interpret observations of the outside world. I truly believe feminism (at least initially) also has no innate political aspirations. The belief of equal opportunity and respect is not a partisan issue. This is an issue of humanity, not of the government. Perhaps it’s perspective. Gender equality is paramount to their quality of life for many, while it has little-to-no impact for others. For some, science provides all the necessary answers in life, while that would be na?ve to believe it applies to all individuals.

I believe to remove themselves from the increasingly politicized and rage-filled America of today, one should remain cognizant of why their passion exists in the first place. Currently, science and feminism risk becoming simplistic and one-sided debates, and thus, an easy target for less informed individuals.

So, how can we be better? We should all strive to be the “change” we envision. Having unique points of view adds to the richness of any society. Scientists and feminists also have rich and differing points of view; we don’t all think the same, and that should be celebrated! These views enrich the debate, and should welcomed, if not at least challenged equally. They should not be ignored or bashed, since that brings at most very little value. Seek understanding first! You don’t need to identify as a scientist to talk or act like one. Anyone becomes a scientist when they ask questions like: what evidence can I gather to prove that person wrong? Similarly, anyone can become a feminist when they practice and advocate for equality in the workplace and elsewhere. You do not need to be a woman, a liberal, a democrat, a millennial, or a humanitarian. While these past two years appear to have been the years of voice (read: tweets, “fake news”, and Facebook profile picture filters), I am encouraged to see action, I just hope most of these acts bring us together more than they drive us apart.