Telling the Tale of the Pale, Male and Stale
'Great is the power of steady misrepresentation; but the history of science shows that fortunately, this power does not long endure’
Some may recognise this quote as coming from the great mind of Charles Darwin. He was undoubtedly talking about how scientific truths will prevail, despite powerful narratives to the contrary. Darwin’s ideas changed our understanding of evolution, but what is often unknown, is these ideas were influenced by ongoing conversations with a network of diverse people. Accompanying the ‘Darwin in Conversation’ exhibition at Cambridge University Library, photographer Leonora Saunders (and Improper co-founder) brings the writers of these letters to life. They are represented in history like never before, thus making the story of great minds less ‘pale, male and stale.’
For example, a 16-year-old Darwin was taught taxidermy by John Edmonstone, a former slave who taught students attending the University of Edinburgh. Darwin used these taught skills on the Beagle voyage. Another influence was Lydia Becker, a botanist and early member of the Women’s suffrage movement. She provided Darwin with plant specimens and observations for his work on plant dimorphism. It can be concluded, therefore, that behind every great white man...is a bunch of diverse people. While they would not have had the opportunities that Darwin had, they are now celebrated in these portraits. Chris Burgess, the Head of Exhibitions and Public Programmes at Cambridge University Library talks about the exhibition: ‘By drawing out these themes through a visual narrative, we can fill the gaps from the historical record and explore the links.’ Doing this takes us beyond his published works he says, by exploring Darwin’s prolific letter writing through this creative approach we add ‘another layer of insight into the relationships and interconnectedness of his life and networks.’
As well as rewriting the past, the exhibition looks at diversity and inclusion in the future. The sitters of the portraits have various roles in STEM, academia, and equality, diversity and inclusion. As one of the directors of Improper, Leonora puts other people’s stories at the heart of every creative project. She explains: ‘promoting hidden figures from our history is something I have spent much of my career focusing on. It’s about re-writing a biased narrative.’ Creatives play a big role in this says Leonora, as ‘using visuals to explore these themes makes you stop and think. If you’re walking down the hallowed hallways of wealthy and influential institutions and you see yourself represented on the walls – that has power.’
To explore this even further, Improper interviewed one of the sitters of the portraits: Jamal Kinsella. Jamal champions diversity and inclusion in STEM subjects and currently works as an Open Research Coordinator at the University of Salford. Due to his experience in academia, project leadership, and inclusion, he was selected to pose as Thomas Whitelegge. Thomas Whitelegge was a working-class naturalist who corresponded with Darwin for several years. Like Whitelegge, Jamal comes from a working-class background, and he overcame many obstacles in order to pursue his passion for research. Listening to his story helps us reflect on the past, the present, and what we can do better when it comes to inclusion in academia. Here is what he has to say.
Q> In your own words, could you describe your journey through education.
Jamal> I am from Salford, quite a poor part of the Greater Manchester region. I am mixed race: half Moroccan and half English. I got bullied quite a bit in school and I did not think I would amount to much.
However, my psychology teacher inspired me to consider a career in academia, he made research seem cool. It was a transformative experience to have a kind and caring mentor, it had such an impact on my life.
I never thought I would get into a fancy-pants university, but I got really good grades. Being accepted to study Psychology at Durham was an incredible moment. It started well and the university nurtured my passion for research. I ran several scientific clubs, worked with my lecturers on projects and went on a research placement in Munich.
Q> What barriers have you come across?
Jamal> All my life I had been very closeted. I was not out at university and would desperately hide my bisexuality. I became entwined in several unhealthy, toxic relationships which had a big impact on my studies. I just about scraped a 2:1.
This did not stop me applying for lots of PhDs. After being interviewed at Southampton, I was invited to study for a PhD in Engineering. The project was researching the psychology behind driver training to improve road safety.
I didn’t fit in. I felt stupid a lot of the time, imposter syndrome is pretty common in research. The popular PhD students fit a personality type. People who are not normative can have one or two traits and get away with it. If you have more, then you’re an outsider. I felt that they would tolerate my differences if I was awesome, but I wasn’t awesome. I was the only psychology student among engineering students, and it was a struggle.
My supervisors became tense and hostile. Several of them made personal attacks. It felt like they were disagreeing with who I was as a person. They would criticise how I dressed, how I took notes, and how I spoke. I was labelled as ‘disorganised’. One supervisor said to me ‘I had a bad feeling about you from the beginning’.
My student union were supportive. A union rep came to one of my meetings with my supervisor and said that it was the worst meeting he had ever witnessed. This gave me the confidence to leave. There is culture amongst PhD students to stick out the pain as it will be worth it. But there are so many other things that have value. I am glad I left.
Q> What barriers do students from disadvantaged or diverse backgrounds face?
Jamal> Still, there is an obsession with class in Britain. We are always talking about it but not addressing it directly. In my previous role, I helped students from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. We build ethnically diverse communities. I like to talk about my experience as it helps bring authenticity to my work.
Unfortunately, students are still dealing with similar issues. One of my mentees was told she was the ‘diversity student’. My friends have had similar experiences.
PhD students can also become alienated from their home communities. Entering the academic world is seen as elitist, your family and peers at home might not see you as part of their group anymore. This means they can feel alien in both their academic life as well as their home life.
Q> In your personal experience, what part does visual representation play in breaking down these barriers?
Jamal> I mentor people of all types - British, international, white, POC, straight, queer - and I know my visibility helps all of them. Even to my mentees from a very different background from me, I give permission to be open and confident in how they present themselves while challenging them to live authentically.
To those who share something with me, we form a mutual support system and offer opportunities for development, teaching each other how to thrive as ourselves in public spaces. I'd like to express thanks, especially to all my working class, POC, and queer mentors and mentees for challenging and inspiring me to project my unique self in all my outreach and engagement work.
Q> It was great to see you posing in the new Darwin exhibition as Thomas Whitelegge. How was this experience for you?
Jamal> Being involved with the exhibition ‘Darwin in Conversation’ was stellar. I was invited by Leonora Saunders, from Improper Agency, to pose for a portrait. She was very understanding and her enthusiasm about the project was infectious. Judging from Darwin’s letters, I also felt we shared similar workplace frustrations.
The exhibition is at the Milstein Exhibition Centre, Cambridge University Library, 9am to 6:30pm Monday-Friday. It closes on the 3rd December.
For your last chance to see it, book tickets here
