February 19, 2012
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Consider microstock giant iStockphoto’s perception of scientists:
Results of a search for "Scientist" at iStockphoto.com
What is singularly disturbing about this result is that iStockphoto’s top search results aren’t determined by the company. Like any good search engine, iStockphoto’s ranking algorithm is a dynamic, organic process driven by statistics drawn from past interest in the content. The Scientist-as-Mad-Scientist, and the lab-coat-and-blue-liquid cliché, are driven by image buyers.
Thus, these are images that conform to preconceptions of how society wants scientists to look. Stock agencies are selling society back its own stereotype, and the merry-go-round spins ever onward.
Now go do yourself a favor and have a look at real scientists.
About the Author: Alex Wild is an Illinois-based entomologist who studies the evolutionary history of ants. In 2003 he founded a photography business as an aesthetic complement to his scientific work, and his natural history photographs appear in numerous museums, books, and media outlets. Follow on Twitter @myrmecos.
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With due respect, that’s how scientists put pictures of themselves on this very blog. And that’s how popular science exploratorium designed by scientists themselves portrait science.
I agree it’s bad cliche – but don’t blame ignorant non-scientists!
Link to thisYes, the two things I always notice about Alex’s profile picture are the lab coat and wild hair.
Link to thisI think my hair has to be Wild, by definition.
Link to thisYes, Alex, don’t blame ignorant non-scientists for being uncritical of obvious stereotypes!
Link to this