Science And Power Politics: The Hood Biologist

By Julian Hayda
Image from “The land of the New Guinea pygmies; an account of the story of a pioneer journey of exploration into the heart of New Guinea” (1913)
Image from "The land of the New Guinea pygmies; an account of the story of a pioneer journey of exploration into the heart of New Guinea" (1913) Internet Archive
Image from “The land of the New Guinea pygmies; an account of the story of a pioneer journey of exploration into the heart of New Guinea” (1913)
Image from "The land of the New Guinea pygmies; an account of the story of a pioneer journey of exploration into the heart of New Guinea" (1913) Internet Archive

Science And Power Politics: The Hood Biologist

By Julian Hayda
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Those who hold scientific truth have the power to change societies. Many times in the past, that scientific knowledge has been used to manipulate or marginalize. This week Worldview is hosting a series on the intersection of science and power politics. Today’s conversation focuses on how the fields of biology and medicine often serve to uphold racist and gender-conforming ideologies. Transgender academic Shay-Akil McLean founded the website Decolonize All the Things in 2014 to explore the relationship between social constructs and biological realities. Under the pseudonym, “The Hood Biologist,” McLean’s research uncovers situations where biologists and medical professionals overstep the bounds of their fields and make biased social judgments.  McLean is currently earning their Sociology PhD in Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation Biology at the University of Illinois.