Myth, Media and Mad Scientists

University of Mary Washington Associate Professor of Chemistry Leanna Giancarlo will discuss stereotypical portrayals of scientists during an interview on the “With Good Reason” public radio program beginning Saturday, July 23.

The interview can be heard on July 23 at 4:30 p.m. on WCVE 88.9 FM and on Monday, July 25 at 12:30 a.m. on WAMU 88.5 FM. The segment, “Selling the Silver Bullet,” is expected to be available online after the broadcast.

Giancarlo explores the role of the mad scientist archetype in popular culture, and its implications for society. She notes that film and fiction have long depicted scientists as sinister, dangerous, arrogant, secretive and ruthless. By examining the role of language and myth-making, she explains why these negative views of scientists persist. 

“While many scientists try to be straightforward, they compound the perception by using language and symbols confusing and upsetting to the average person,” says Giancarlo, chair of UMW’s chemistry department.  “In addition, people still associate chemistry with medieval, mysterious alchemy that provides a powerful source of myth-making for critics of current science.”

“With Good Reason” hosts scholars from Virginia’s public universities who discuss the latest in research, pressing social issues and the curious and whimsical. “With Good Reason” is produced for the Virginia Higher Education Broadcasting Consortium by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and is broadcast in partnership with public radio stations in Virginia and Washington, D.C.