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Angels or Demons? Stereotypes of Scientists

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Particle Panic!

Part of the book series: Science and Fiction ((SCIFICT))

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Abstract

Sociologist Eva Flicker argues that all forms of art contribute “to the mediation of science. The images drawn of science and scientific work are deeply embedded in the culture” [1]. Arguably the most common of these images is the cartoonish mad scientist, hell bent on either proving a pet hypothesis correct or world domination (or both), no matter the cost. Legendary science popularizer Carl Sagan wrote that this image haunts our “world—down to the white-coated loonies of Saturday morning children’s TV and the plethora of Faustian bargains in popular culture, from the eponymous Dr. Faustus himself to Dr. Frankenstein, Dr. Strangelove, and Jurassic Park” [2].

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Caitlin’s treatment by Jay/Zoom/Hunter is certainly problematic from a feminist point of view. In later seasons she appears to suffer from PTSD, but this is beyond the scope of this analysis.

  2. 2.

    A brief mention should also be made of Harry Wells’ daughter Jesse, dubbed Jesse Quick by her father due to her innate intelligence and quick thinking. She proves to be a valuable member of the scientific team during Season 2, despite the youthful recklessness and rebellion against her father she sometimes exhibits.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geological Sciences Department, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, USA

    Kristine Larsen

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  1. Kristine Larsen
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Larsen, K. (2019). Angels or Demons? Stereotypes of Scientists. In: Particle Panic! . Science and Fiction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12206-5_2

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