As a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and City Journal contributing editor, James Meigs explores the changes in Scientific American’s coverage in his article. He notes that the magazine has shifted its focus to include more social justice issues in their articles. Meigs questions the relevance of these topics to science, and examines how scientific publications are addressing them.
Meigs discusses the evolution of Scientific American’s coverage and how it has included more social justice issues in its articles. He highlights some examples of these articles, including “Modern Mathematics Confronts Its White, Patriarchal Past” and “The Racist Roots of Fighting Obesity.” While these articles may have some connection to scientific topics, they also delved into more social justice issues.
In 2021, a controversial opinion essay was published titled “Why the Term ‘JEDI’ Is Problematic for Describing Programs That Promote Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The article criticized the expansion of the DEI acronym to include “Justice” and the use of Jedi knights from Star Wars as mascots for social justice, citing them as prone to white saviorism and toxic masculinity in conflict resolution.
Through his analysis, Meigs sheds light on the intersection of science, social justice, and media coverage. He emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective and a focus on scientific integrity in journalism and media coverage. Meigs is also cohost of the How Do We Fix It? podcast and former editor of Popular Mechanics. His insights provide valuable insights into this complex topic.
Overall, Meigs’s article offers a critical examination of how scientific publications are addressing social justice issues and their impact on content. It provides a unique perspective on this important issue that is sure to resonate with readers interested in science and journalism alike.
