Read on Twitter
Science is and always has been political and anti-black.
There is no such thing as true objectivity and neutrality when we do science.
Silence and complacency is equal to tacit approval, and the devil doesn't need more advocates. https://twitter.com/EstOdek/status/1267093885349699586
There is no such thing as true objectivity and neutrality when we do science.
Silence and complacency is equal to tacit approval, and the devil doesn't need more advocates. https://twitter.com/EstOdek/status/1267093885349699586
Know that if you're a scientist who uses "critical thinking" to deny the well-documented theft, torture, and oppression of Black people, you're not being "objective" or "curious", you're being racist.
You can educate yourself, not demand Black people debate and convince you.
You can educate yourself, not demand Black people debate and convince you.
If you want to be an ally, you need to learn about these injustices but also be willing to be the one who steps up to have these conversations.
Black scientists should not have to bear the burden of convincing their colleagues of their humanity.
Black scientists should not have to bear the burden of convincing their colleagues of their humanity.
Read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and Medical Apartheid, if you're looking to educate yourself by reading.
Follow an abundance of Black scientists on twitter and listen.
Most importantly, reflect. We have all done racist things. When were you racist last?
Follow an abundance of Black scientists on twitter and listen.
Most importantly, reflect. We have all done racist things. When were you racist last?
I've been hesitating to speak up these past few days, as I am sure many are.
But I speak from a position of knowing I have a lot more to learn about being an anti-racist, and yet knowing it's important to say something. Anything. Silence implies that theres nothing to say.
But I speak from a position of knowing I have a lot more to learn about being an anti-racist, and yet knowing it's important to say something. Anything. Silence implies that theres nothing to say.
From listening to Black scientists this week, I have learned that it is extremely important right now to make vocal our solidarity and support.
Anyone with trainees, meetings with Black colleagues needs to acknowledge the situation. NO SMALL TALK ABOUT YOUR SOURDOUGH!!!!!!
Anyone with trainees, meetings with Black colleagues needs to acknowledge the situation. NO SMALL TALK ABOUT YOUR SOURDOUGH!!!!!!
Tomorrow I will be emailing the institutions and societies I am part of to encourage a message of support and acknowledgement from the top down.
In this racist system, white and white-adjacent voices are given more weight. Unfortunately, those less affected have more sway.
In this racist system, white and white-adjacent voices are given more weight. Unfortunately, those less affected have more sway.
In addition to protesting, donating to bail funds, and other much needed actions that we see others doing, we need to identify the situations that we individually have power in.
We have to actively shape our own environments to be anti-racist, and that will take ongoing work.
We have to actively shape our own environments to be anti-racist, and that will take ongoing work.
Also, you have to be willing to create consequences for people who are anti-black. Have difficult conversations with people. I've broken friendships over racism.
It can be uncomfortable to be an ally but if discomfort is the only thing to fear, we are privileged beyond belief.
It can be uncomfortable to be an ally but if discomfort is the only thing to fear, we are privileged beyond belief.
Also, please don't ask Black scientists to educate you. Don't ask for a reading list, don't ask for forgiveness.
Ask only what they need, and give it if you can.
In the meantime, listen and amplify. And talk to your own circles about what you have done and pledge to do better
Ask only what they need, and give it if you can.
In the meantime, listen and amplify. And talk to your own circles about what you have done and pledge to do better
In doing all of this, we have to be vulnerable. If someone calls you out, gently or not, reflect on whether you've done something that isn't aligned with the overall mission.
Learning from our own mistakes is absolutely vital, and mistakes are inevitable when pushing boundaries
Learning from our own mistakes is absolutely vital, and mistakes are inevitable when pushing boundaries
Admitting when we've made mistakes is the ultimate sign of growth, and we certainly have a lot of growing to do!
My personal goal is to have more difficult conversations rooted in kindness, to turn my anger and privilege into something productive. It will be hard but necessary.
My personal goal is to have more difficult conversations rooted in kindness, to turn my anger and privilege into something productive. It will be hard but necessary.
