Francis May 10, 2012, 01:55:39

While I understand the peivsectrpes brought by Mr. Tyson, I must respectively disagree a few points. Discounting the importance of role models in the development of successful professionals is quite a disservice to parents of children who are scientifically inclined and are wondering what to do next. There are countless other black scientists, engineers, programmers, etc, who will speak otherwise. Ask NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, who will tell you he stood on the shoulders of Ron McNair. Ask Mae Jamison, who took a photo of Bessie Coleman, when she flew into space. And I looked upon the works Lewis Latimer when choosing Electrical Engineering as my field of study, and Herbie Hancock (BSEE) as proof that engineers can make great music as well. I contend that role models are needed even more to encourage our youth in science and technology.I also don’t quite understand a refusal to speak at a Black History Month event. While I understand the point the other 11 months of the year are just as ripe for showcasing a black scientist of Mr Tyson’s stature, a refusal just on that grounds removes an opportunity for that one black kid that only pays attention during that month to say wow, I can be a scientist too . Why not accept the invitation on the grounds of being allowed to speak in January and February as well. I don’t know of too many schools or programs that are interesting in developing scientists that would not happily accept those conditions for having a esteemed scientist speak.Maybe Mr Tyson doesn’t understand that even today black children are told, there are no black and are inspired by someone who looks like them achieve at a high level. While he may not have needed role models, I can think of many scientists of all shades who did. Ask Isaac Newton, who considered Plato and Aristotle his friends and wrote If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants. With a slight change in perspective, Mr Tyson could be giant for a young black child to see further.