Black from "summary" of The Disordered Cosmos by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
The idea of Blackness has always been a paradox in physics, a field that has long been dominated by whiteness. Blackness is simultaneously hypervisible and invisible, a contradiction that has shaped the way Black scientists navigate the scientific world. Blackness is not just a skin color; it is a social and political identity that carries with it a history of oppression and resistance. In physics, Blackness has often been erased from the narrative, with Black scientists facing discrimination and marginalization in a discipline that prides itself on objectivity and neutrality. The idea of Blackness disrupts the traditional understanding of science as a universal and objective pursuit, highlighting the ways in which racism and white supremacy have shaped the scientific enterprise. Black physicists have had to navigate the tensions between their identity as Black individuals and their identity as scientists, facing the dual challenges of racism and imposter syndrome. The concept of Blackness challenges the notion of objectivity in science, calling into question the idea that science can be divorced from the social and political realities of the world. Despite the challenges they face, Black physicists have made significant contributions to the field, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and challenging the status quo. Blackness is a source of strength and resilience for Black scientists, who draw on their lived experiences to inform their work and challenge the dominant narratives of the scientific community. The concept of Blackness is not just about race; it is about power and privilege, about who gets to define what is considered "normal" in the scientific world. Black physicists are pushing back against the erasure of their experiences and perspectives, demanding a seat at the table and challenging the status quo. Blackness is a radical act of resistance, a refusal to be silenced or marginalized in a field that has historically excluded and devalued Black voices.
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