Carl Sagan, an American astronomer, cosmologist, and astrophysicist, is widely known for his contributions to science and his popular science books and television series. However, his racist history has been overlooked by many.
Early Life and Education
Carl Sagan was born in 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family. He attended the University of Chicago and graduated with a degree in physics in 1955. Sagan went on to earn a Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Chicago in 1960.
Racist Remarks
Despite his scientific achievements, Carl Sagan has a history of making racist remarks. In a 1969 interview with Playboy magazine, Sagan referred to black people as "savages" and "primitive."
He also made derogatory comments about Native Americans, referring to them as "Stone Age people."
Collaboration with Charles Murray
In 1994, Carl Sagan collaborated with Charles Murray on a book called "The Bell Curve." The book argued that intelligence is largely determined by genetics and that black people have lower intelligence than white people.
The book was widely criticized for its racist and pseudoscientific claims. Many scientists and scholars accused Sagan and Murray of promoting racism and eugenics.
Legacy and Criticism
Despite his racist history, Carl Sagan is still widely celebrated as a science communicator and popularizer of science. Many of his books and television series are still popular today.
However, Sagan's legacy has been criticized by many for his racism and for promoting pseudoscientific ideas. Some have called for a re-evaluation of his work and his place in the history of science.
Conclusion
Carl Sagan's racist history cannot be ignored or overlooked. His derogatory comments about black people and Native Americans, as well as his collaboration with Charles Murray on a pseudoscientific book, are unacceptable.
It is important to acknowledge and condemn Sagan's racism while also recognizing his contributions to science. We must strive to promote diversity and inclusivity in science and to reject pseudoscientific and racist ideas.