The American Ornithological Society said Wednesday it will change all English bird names currently named after people. AOS said it's being done to change naming conventions clouded by racism and misogyny.
Yet often it was his own stubborn and uncompromising nature that defined his life – his choices paint a picture of a man who was unable to heed the words of others. This undendinly antagonistic nature cost him friends, honours and ultimately put him into the dark role of colonialist.
He was “stubborn and uncompromising”, which makes him “antagonistic”, therefore a colonialist and racist. That’s a pretty low bar. I don’t think it makes sense to define racism in a way that makes all 19th century naturalists racist.
I couldn’t find a single example of a racist bird name in that article. You’d think they would give one.
You can find a list on https://birdnamesforbirds.wordpress.com/historical-profiles/bios-by-region/ if you’re interested.
He was “stubborn and uncompromising”, which makes him “antagonistic”, therefore a colonialist and racist. That’s a pretty low bar. I don’t think it makes sense to define racism in a way that makes all 19th century naturalists racist.
You could have also picked the dude that desecrated indigenous graves to do phrenology.
Edit: Jesus Christ you left out that this dude was a literal colonizer in New Zealand. He was an officer in a militia during the New Zealand Wars.
He was also a committee member of The New Zealand Company, which existed to systemically colonize New Zealand.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_John_Swainson#New_Zealand_estate
So maybe it is slightly misleading to say he was labeled racist for being “antagonistic”??
Admittedly, I only checked this one article. I think it’s hard to judge how evil he really was. Either way, not a hill I’m going to die on.
This is a terrible source, as is Lemmy tradition.
Here’s a better source I really wish that op would have been better about that. It’s linked in the article they linked.
It appears that they are concerned with the tradition that the first person that scientifically describes the species gets to name it.
And, well, those people have been white.
Seems like stupid rationale IMO.
Do you think artists should be able to name their works?
Why shouldn’t scientists also be able to name their works?
That’s exactly what I’m saying. They should be able to.
It’s hard to communicate with pithy texts only. I misunderstood.
I agree that the renaming effort is an over reaction trying to be more DEI for no apparent benefit.
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I’m curious what the ulterior motive for renaming birds could be?
Obviously it’s about globalist world domination plot
To sell new bird guide editions, obviously.
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Calm down there Alex Jones
Lol, what? What exactly is concerning about renaming birds to be more descriptive?
Not everything is a conspiracy, my guy.
First, they rename birds.
And then, they’ll make all of our kids gay trans Korean lizard people!!!
READ BETWEEN THE LINES SHEEPLE