No Longer Funny

Cartoon today repeats the comedic stereotype of the science / chemist as explosion prone and disconnected from reality (LINK). The light of recent events and anniversaries for us in the chemical community these stereotypes are no longer funny, if they ever were.

I wonder sometimes about society and its need to create a risible stereotype of scientists so that we can be mocked, of course the other stereotype is the evil mad scientist so I guess bumbling clown is a step up. On the other hand if you will excuse the expression, I see the dude is wearing gloves, if not safety glasses.

To be fair to this cartoonist, Speedbump has a reasonably informed view of scientists and it shows up now and again.