January 27, 2014

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Speaking my mind and signing my name

I wrote an essay as part of a Group Post at #HopeJahrenSureCanWrite about being your authentic self – name and all – on the internet.

By DNLee

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This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

I wrote an essay as part of a Group Post at #HopeJahrenSureCanWrite about being your authentic self - name and all - on the internet.

Five science bloggers, @HopeJahren, @DNLee5, @JBYoder, @kejames & @hormiga, each of different academic ranks and each with our own 'vulnerabilities' share our stories of why we write, but perhaps more importantly stand firm on complex issues penning our own names. Group Post: Real-Life Identity and The Internet

Truth is, my identity as a woman of color in science is my biggest vulnerability. Even if I wanted to be anonymous or pseudonymous it would have been nearly impossible to remain so. Simply sharing racial and/or ethnic identity and my research field is more than enough information to identify me or any other science scholar of color. Drop a hint of regional location or institutional affiliation and you might as well have my social security number. There are so few of us - scientists of color at the graduate level and above - that sometimes managing your invisibility is our best shield - at least from the negative things that fly at us.

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I thought it through and decided that abandoning invisibility was my best protection. By stepping full out into the light, I aim to use this public platform to compel power players to be on their best behavior - to at least be demonstrably fair.

So far, so good.

You can read my essay at this link: My name is DNLee, I am Science Blogger and I approve this message.

Please visit the entire series: Group Post: Real-Life Identity and The Internet.

DNLee is a biologist and she studies animal behavior, mammalogy, and ecology . She uses social media, informal experiential science experiences, and draws from hip hop culture to share science with general audiences, particularly under-served groups.

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