By Gabriel Iván Vega Bellido
This is the ninth post in our series about how science is communicated and the consequences thereof.
Most people don’t interact with professional scientists on a regular basis. Therefore, the depictions of scientists in popular media play a significant role in influencing the general public’s expectations, trust, and understanding of the scientific community. If you were to ask your friends and family who aren't in scientific fields about their understanding of a scientist, their responses would likely be shaped by a mix of both real-life and fictionalized portrayals encountered through various media. This post aims to contemplate how some of the most popular depictions of scientists in English-speaking media, including various works of fiction, have reflected and influenced the public’s perception of science and scientists.
19th century
Science, the practice of using logic, imagination, and experimentation to determine how the universe works, has been around since the earliest recorded civilizations. Despite this, it wasn’t until 1834 that William Whewell coined the term scientist for those who “cultivate science”. Although this would seem like a noble pursuit, the earliest popular depictions of scientists were often grim and unsettling.
The inaugural science fiction novel, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” or “The Modern Prometheus" (1818), tells a chilling tale of scientific obsession. Victor Frakenstein, in his single minded pursuit of the secrets of life and death, succeeds in birthing life from lifeless matter. His initial euphoria quickly fades as his creation, whom he rejects in disgust upon witnessing its hideous appearance, goes on to kill a beloved child and his wife. Victor himself ultimately dies while vengefully pursuing the creature all the way to the Arctic.
Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 classic, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, explores the dichotomy of human nature. Dr. Jekyll, a respectable scientist obsessed with the duality of man, develops a potion that transforms him into his evil alter ego, Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll begins losing control of the transformations, and Mr. Hyde’s wicked actions continuously escalate; culminating in a brutal murder. Dr. Jekyll then decides to kill himself to prevent any further evil.
H.G. Wells, who studied biology before becoming the famous writer of “The War of the Worlds”, wrote “The Island of Dr. Moreau” (1896), which showcases the perils of playing god. The disgraced Dr. Moreau, expelled from society for his abominable experiments, attempts to reshape animals into human forms on a secluded island and have them worship him. He eventually loses control over the 'Beast Folk', leading to a violent rebellion and his murder.
These narratives are all examples of the Mad Scientist archetype, wherein a character’s relentless pursuit of knowledge makes them disregard ethics and societal norms, leading to disastrous consequences. They reflect the fear of the unknowable horrors that could be unleashed by unchecked scientific progress. Also reflected in these stories is the historical backdrop of the controversial science of this time such as Darwin's theory of evolution and his cousin Galton's formulation of the “science” of eugenics. These theories and ideas led to many social and religious debates, some that continue to this day. The moral panic seeded by these debates germinated in these stories through the fictional scientists who had the hubris to attempt creating or perfecting life. These stories also reveal an entrenched bias of that time, that the practice of science was solely the domain of white men.
20th century
The 20th century contained some of the most revolutionary scientific and technological advances in recorded history. Notable advances include the founding of quantum mechanics as a field, the development of nuclear energy and weapons, the invention of television, the discovery of DNA, and the space race. These advancements inevitably shaped the portrayals of scientists on the big screen and beyond.
A pivotal moment in the media representation of scientists was the first ever portrayal of a female scientist in the biographical film "Madame Curie" (1943). This film celebrated the life and work of the legendary Marie Curie, the only person to ever win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields, thereby invalidating the stereotype of scientists as solely male.
Acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick provides us with a darker, parodical portrayal of a scientist in the wheelchair-bound Dr. Strangelove. Inspired by the nuclear war themed book “Red Alert” (1958) and against the backdrop of the ongoing Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, Kubrick wrote and directed “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” (1964). The Doctor, a contemporary caricature of the Mad Scientist archetype, is obsessed with the possibility of annihilating the human race through the use of nuclear weapons. In this way he embodies a reminder of the dangers of unchecked scientific progress utilized by military authority.
In contrast, the space race led to a more optimistic depiction of scientists in the iconic TV series Star Trek. Notable characters such as Spock from "Star Trek: The Original Series" (1966-1969) and Jadzia Dax from "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (1993-1999) exemplify the intellectual prowess expected of scientists. Spock’s character also offers an exploration of the intricate balance between emotion and logic, while Jadzia breaks the mold as one of the earliest portrayals of a woman scientist on TV.
Exploring the intriguing possibilities of the relatively new field of quantum mechanics, the “Back to the Future” movies (1985-1990) introduced audiences to Dr. Emmet Brown. This eccentric physicist and inventor, who squandered his family fortune on the creation of a time traveling sports car, serves as an endearing spin on the 'Mad Scientist' stereotype. Though hardly a conventional role model, Dr. Brown acts as an ethical mentor and trusted ally to Marty McFly, the films’ young protagonist.
The blockbuster classic “Jurassic Park” (1993) presents a captivating vision of the potential power and danger of biotechnology, with its central premise being the potential resurrection of dinosaurs through the manipulation of DNA. The film juxtaposes the park’s team of reckless genetic scientists, blinded by ambition and commercial greed, against the ethical paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant and paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler. This dichotomy highlights the fundamental scientific dilemma between the pursuit of what can be done and the consideration of what should be done.
Generally speaking, the popular depictions of scientists in 20th-century media shifted towards more positive portrayals. This reflected a burgeoning public admiration for scientific progress and its life-altering potential. The appearance of women and minority scientist characters also marked a significant step towards diversifying the image of who can be a scientist, fostering inclusivity and inspiring future generations.
21st century
In the 21st century, scientific innovation has continued to expand at an unprecedented rate. Due to the exponential growth of the world’s population in the last two centuries, it's estimated that 90% of scientists who have ever lived are alive today. The sheer volume of scientific knowledge has greatly increased the importance of effective science communication, as the public's understanding of scientific principles becomes increasingly crucial for making informed decisions and protecting them against misinformation.
This need for effectively communicating science to the public has given rise to science communication celebrities such as Neil Degrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Sabine Hossenfelder and Andrew Huberman. Many of these modern day science educators have utilized social media platforms to make science more relatable and to foster a trusting relationship with the public. There are also dozens of science education channels with millions of subscribers on the video sharing platform YouTube such as SciShow, Periodic Videos, Veritasium, and Crash Course.
The growth of science on the whole has had a significant impact on the portrayal of scientists in media, resulting in much greater diversity in their representation. Far from the classic trope of the 'Mad Scientist' or the white-coat-wearing laboratory-dwelling stereotype, scientists in modern media are as diverse as the fields they study.
Within the Marvel Cinematic universe (the highest grossing film franchise ever, as of 2023), many scientist characters take on superhuman roles. Tony Stark, or Iron Man, the self-proclaimed "genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist" whose skills in technology and engineering have both saved and endangered the world (he was the creator of the potentially catastrophic Utron, not unlike Frankenstein’s monster) is an interesting example of the scientist as anti-hero. Bruce Banner, the brilliant physicist with seven PhDs, parallels Dr. Jekyll through his struggles with the destructive power of his alter ego, the Hulk, showcasing the dichotomy between scientific potential and its unforeseen consequences. The film “Black Panther” (2018) also introduced audiences to Shuri, the black female scientist who is the primary technological innovator of the advanced nation of Wakanda. Her portrayal as a young, black, female character who is the smartest person in the room challenges at least three outdated stereotypes of scientists.
While "The Big Bang Theory" (2007-2019) had a mixed reception due to its frequent use of humor based on race, gender, and stereotypes, it remains one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, focusing mainly on the lives of academic scientists. One of the main characters of the show, Sheldon Cooper, with his prodigious mind and comically awkward social skills, has become a cultural icon. The show not only leans into the stereotype of scientists as socially awkward nerds but also humanizes them, showcasing their shared interests and characteristics with everyday people. It also boasts the distinction of having an actual scientist portray a scientist, as actress Mayim Bialik who holds a PhD in neuroscience performed the role of neuroscientist Amy Fowler.
Meanwhile, the animated series "Rick and Morty" (2013-Present) takes a more existential approach to the depiction of a scientist. Its titular character is Rick Sanchez, a genius scientist whose knowledge of the universe's infinite realities fuels his apathetic and often destructive behavior. However, he eventually finds some measure of joy by going on absurd sci-fi adventures with his family. His character serves as a stark reminder of the potential moral and existential crises posed by unregulated scientific advancement, and also highlights the power of human connection to mitigate such crises.
The latest movie showcasing the profound influence of science on modern culture is the critically acclaimed “Oppenheimer” (2023), which delves into the life and work of Robert Oppenheimer, the pivotal figure behind the atomic bomb's creation. Apart from underscoring the world-changing importance of this scientific breakthrough, the film grapples with the ethical and moral dilemmas posed to the scientists responsible. In this way, it reflects our enduring fascination and struggle with the implications of scientific progress.
The 21st century's depiction of scientists is a testament to the evolving perception of science in our society. It reflects a world in which science is increasingly recognized as a vital part of human progress, and scientists, far from being one-dimensional figures, are complex characters with their own virtues, flaws, and diverse backgrounds.
Media’s relationship with science
The constantly evolving nature of scientific knowledge means scientific claims often carry some level of uncertainty, but this uncertainty is sometimes ignored by the media due to inherent biases, lack of accountability, or artistic license. This can lead to confusion and alter public expectations about the certainty and unanimity scientists should provide. Despite this, public confidence in the scientific community has remained remarkably stable in the last 50 years, possibly due to the mostly positive popular depictions of scientists during this time. However, sensationalized portrayals by biased sources can quickly erode this trust. This erosion was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when the spread of misinformation by both media and figures not primarily involved in research led to a sharp decline in public trust.
The media also has a responsibility to acknowledge instances of fraudulent scientific results, since an accurate depiction of scientists must also be aware of their flaws. Given the public's reliance on media for information regarding scientists, there's an imperative for accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive representation. This includes not oversimplifying complex findings, recognizing scientific misconduct, and providing diverse portrayals to challenge stereotypes, like the gender imbalance in STEM roles. Furthermore, considering that historically marginalized groups have long-held distrust towards federal science due to past injustices, media portrayals must be sensitive and inclusive to bridge these divides.
Conclusion
The last few centuries have seen the popular depictions of scientists transform from the unsettling Mad Scientist archetype to the multifaceted characters of today. This evolution has not only mirrored the changes in scientific understanding but also serves to highlight society's shifting perspectives on the role of scientists. As technology becomes increasingly integral to daily life, the importance of the underlying science and the researchers behind it becomes ever more evident. By showcasing ethical and passionate scientists, the media has the power to inspire the next wave of thinkers. Consequently, it's crucial that these portrayals remain as diverse and multi-dimensional as the world we inhabit, enabling future generations to understand, appreciate, and engage with science in meaningful ways.