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Why is it dangerous to make celebrities out of scientists? If they make an important contribution should their names be left unsaid? Is the Nobel prize dangerou
by MyHypatia 6y ago
Why is it dangerous to make celebrities out of scientists? If they make an important contribution should their names be left unsaid? Is the Nobel prize dangerous? Or having Einstein, Curie, etc. be widely known? I'm glad when I see scientists names highlighted rather than just actors and sports heroes.
- mssundaram 6y agoCelebrities in general. It's the fact that you get famous for a focused discipline or achievement but then people look to your opinion on any and everything else, or even if you are still consulted on only your area of focus you can become lazy and indulge in your status and power, whereby your opinion should no longer be relevant, but you are still popular and listened to.
- MyHypatia 6y agoI agree that listening to famous people on any topic that is not their area of expertise is a bad thing. That's caused by hero worship and lazy journalism, not highlighting the names of scientist who make breakthroughs. I do think it's important for us as a society to recognize and highlight the names of people who make important contributions to science because it sets a good example for the kinds of contributions that others (i.e. kids) can aspire to make in the future.
- hungryforcodes 6y agoBut that’s the problem of the people listening. They are the ones looking for some advice and an opinion. And why not respond (as the celebrity) — any of us probably have appreciated being asked our opinion on things. Also celebrities can do good things. Bill Gates is a celebrity (in a way), and has helped us a lot with vaccines and pandemics, and that’s definitely not his historical area of expertise.