Should we rename the Hitler beetle or the Mussolini butterfly? Scientists are shockingly divided.

[admin]

Some scientists are pushing for species named after offensive people such as Hitler to be renamed, but the official governing body that guides species renaming is opposed.

Should we rename the Hitler beetle or the Mussolini butterfly? Scientists are shockingly divided. : Read more

 

[Steamdude]

These tyrants came to power because their countries' citizenry decided not opposing them was the "easier" thing to do.

 

[hwinet]

History is the single most important subject taught in school. Science can be a source of history, when its naming convention responds to a historic person or event. If the characteristics of the beetle suggest a historic figure, its naming provides and opportunity to teach history. To delete such names because they displease, is anti-intellectual, as it robs the reader of a chance to learn. "Cleaning up" history this way is a crime against education.

 

[cecilia fx]

this is more concerning:

".....these names can cause problems for the animals themselves. For example, A. hitleri has been driven close to extinction because neo-Nazi collectors pay thousands of dollars for their specimens,..."

 

[bolide2]

History is the single most important subject taught in school. Science can be a source of history, when its naming convention responds to a historic person or event. If the characteristics of the beetle suggest a historic figure, its naming provides and opportunity to teach history. To delete such names because they displease, is anti-intellectual, as it robs the reader of a chance to learn. "Cleaning up" history this way is a crime against education.

The reason for changing these names is the very reason why it will pose no danger to the learning of history. If the person were so obscure, no one would care about renaming the species. No one will fail to learn about Hitler because they didn't encounter A. hitleri.