Scientists: Is it Time to Sex Up the Image?

[Moonbear]

Almost. Any "geeky" scientists depicted stand out as "characters", and are not the main characters. They couldn't hold anyone's attention if the plots revolved around really geeky people. I think TV and Hollywood have already tackled any image problem science may have.

That's certainly true in some fields. It hasn't necessarily helped portray a realistic image of the limitations of science and technology, but shows like CSI have really boosted kids' interest in sciences, at least from my limited interactions.

 

[Moonbear]

Naw, doctors are seen as money-makers in the US, Scientists are seen as pious and humble. Women like money, and nice guys aren't sexy.

One of the grad students I work with uses this trick. Since our department is in the medical school, when people ask what he does, he says he's a student at the School of Medicine. He has no problem getting dates, that's for sure (he has more problems fending them off some days I think ).

 

[arunma]

Lets get a PF Sisterhood in Bikinis calendar going.

Actually, I have been slowly compiling a list of attractive, well-known female physicists. Perhaps I could be of some use here.

 

[ranger]

I don't know what's wrong with you people. Bill Nye has done more than enough for our image.

 

[zoobyshoe]

That's certainly true in some fields. It hasn't necessarily helped portray a realistic image of the limitations of science and technology, but shows like CSI have really boosted kids' interest in sciences, at least from my limited interactions.

It's my understanding NASA is now peopled by those whose interest in space exploration was prompted by watching Star Trek. Which explains quite a bit.

 

[Kurdt]

It's my understanding NASA is now peopled by those whose interest in space exploration was prompted by watching Star Trek. Which explains quite a bit.

Like why they haven't done much since the moon landings because they've secretly been building a full size replica of the Enterprise?

 

[zoobyshoe]

Like why they haven't done much since the moon landings because they've secretly been building a full size replica of the Enterprise?

(SHHHHHHH! It's not a replica. They're trying to build the first working starship.)

 

[arunma]

(SHHHHHHH! It's not a replica. They're trying to build the first working starship.)

The Enterprise rumor is not quite correct. I heard that the government secretly has something called the "Stargate," an ancient alien device capable of sending people to other planets. I would say that this pwns the Enterprise, but I risk starting an all out war on PF. And I'm not sure I believe it myself (the pwnage, not the existence of the Stargate).

 

[Kurdt]

It might well be an easier way to visit other worlds but its certainly not as cool and totally unscientific unlike the rigorous concepts behind the Enterprise.

 

[arunma]

It might well be an easier way to visit other worlds but its certainly not as cool and totally unscientific unlike the rigorous concepts behind the Enterprise.

Yeah, I have to admit that Star Trek does a much better job of giving itself a semblance of scientific accuracy. In Stargate, the usual logic is "this technology works because it was invented by an ancient and advanced civilization...and then we stole it from the Goa'uld." Star Trek goes so far as to explain how and when humans invented their variosu technologies, and it at least tries to provide scientifically accurate explanations. I think Star Trek could have better technospeak, but all around it's a great show.

Really the reason I like Stargate is because it features an attractive female physicist, and she can even fire a gun. Hence the sexing up of science.