Context:- NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is designed to capture the most detailed pictures of the universe. However, its name has sparked strong criticism from the LGBTQ community. The telescope is named after James Webb, who led the US space agency from 1961 to 1968. Webb has been connected to the “Lavender Scare,” a period of suspicion and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals at NASA.
What is Lavender Scare?
The Lavender Scare was the marginalisation of LGBTQ employees working in the US government’s offices during the 1950s and 1960s. It is often described as a “witch-hunt”. Where those suspected of being from the LGBTQ community were fired from their jobs. One such case was of NASA’s Clifford Norton. Norton was fired in 1963 for “immoral, indecent, and disgraceful conduct” after being interrogated for allegedly being a homosexual man. The common perception at the time of those in the US administration, and in society at large, was that homosexuality and queerness were linked to a lack of morals or perversion.
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Who is James Webb and what is his contribution?
- James Webb, who led NASA in the past, is accused of being part of dismissing LGBTQ employees.
- In 2021, four US astronomers suggested renaming the telescope in ‘Scientific American.’
- Historian David K Johnson’s book, “The Lavender Scare,” mentions evidence connecting Webb to discussions that led to harmful government policies.
- Some also argue Webb followed government orders and didn’t personally target employees. Others insist that the dismissals occurred during his leadership.
What are the arguments being put forth to seek a name change?
People, especially astronomers, are asking to change the name of the James Webb Space Telescope. They believe that the name should represent both Webb’s work at NASA and his actions outside the agency.
Some astronomers argue that although Webb contributed positively to NASA, his actions beyond the agency should also be considered. They think that because of what’s been discovered about Webb’s silence and actions at NASA, it’s time to give the telescope a different name. They feel that a mission as important as this one should have a name that reflects our best values.
However, NASA, led by Bill Nelson, the current administrator, has not shown any plans to change the telescope’s name. Nelson mentioned that, for now, there isn’t enough evidence to support changing the name of the James Webb Space Telescope.
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