dw.com
Death Threat Against German Historian Highlights Rise in Attacks on Scientists
German historian Jan Claas Behrends received a death threat containing a picture of a gun, prompting him to publicly share it and highlighting a rising trend of attacks against German scientists, especially women, researching politically charged topics like the war in Ukraine and climate change, with a recent study showing 45% have experienced attacks.
- How do the nature and frequency of these attacks vary across different scientific disciplines and genders?
- This incident exemplifies a broader pattern of increasing attacks against scientists in Germany, particularly those whose research addresses politically sensitive issues. A recent study revealed that 45% of German scientists have experienced some form of attack or threat, often ideologically motivated. This is especially true for researchers studying topics like the war in Ukraine or climate change.
- What are the immediate consequences of the increase in attacks and threats against German scientists, particularly concerning their research and public discourse?
- A German historian, Jan Claas Behrends, received a death threat containing a picture of a gun and the words, "Goes in the ear, stays in the head." This prompted him to publicly share the threat on social media, highlighting a concerning trend of attacks against academics.
- What systemic changes are needed to protect academic freedom and ensure the safety of scientists, especially women, who are increasingly targeted for their research on politically charged topics?
- The rise in attacks, particularly against women, underscores the urgent need for better support systems for academics facing threats. Organizations like Scicomm-Support are providing crucial assistance, offering legal, psychological, and strategic support to over 500 scientists so far. The long-term impact could include self-censorship and a chilling effect on academic freedom.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue as a serious problem of escalating attacks on scientists, particularly women, which is supported by the statistics and examples provided. The headline and opening paragraph effectively set this tone. However, a more balanced framing might include a section on initiatives to combat this issue, or the broader context of online abuse.
Language Bias
The article generally maintains a neutral tone, using precise language to describe the events and quotes. However, phrases like "oštre kritike" (harsh criticism) and "osobne prirode" (personal nature) could be considered slightly loaded. More neutral alternatives might be "strong criticism" and "targeted attacks", respectively.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on attacks against scientists, particularly women, but lacks data on the overall number of scientists in Germany and the proportion of those who experience such attacks. This omission prevents a complete understanding of the scale of the problem and whether the reported percentages accurately represent the broader scientific community.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from exploring the complexities of the issue. For example, while it highlights the ideological motivation behind many attacks, it could further analyze the specific ideologies at play and their diverse manifestations.
Gender Bias
The article explicitly highlights the gendered nature of attacks on female scientists, noting that they often involve personal insults and aim to discredit their expertise based on their gender. The inclusion of specific examples and quotes from affected scientists strengthens this analysis. The article rightly emphasizes the need for more equitable coverage and protection for women in science.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a rise in attacks and threats against scientists in Germany, particularly those researching politically sensitive topics. This undermines the safety and freedom of expression crucial for peaceful societies and strong institutions. The threats of violence and intimidation directly hinder the ability of researchers to conduct their work freely and contribute to informed public discourse, which are cornerstones of just and peaceful societies. The creation of Scicomm-Support to assist scientists facing threats underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for greater protection of researchers.