Morning Meeting Episode 263: How a British Woman Named Jane Became a Bag Named Birkin
Sep 27, 2025
Michael Oreskes, a journalist, dives into how scientists are fighting back against attacks on their work, emphasizing the importance of defending scientific integrity. Gerard deGroot, an emeritus history professor, analyzes the cultural impact of Allen Ginsberg's poem 'Howl' and its relevance to today’s free-speech debates. Joan Juliet Buck, former editor of French Vogue, reviews a biography of Jane Birkin, exploring her influence on fashion and the fascinating story behind the iconic Birkin bag, a symbol of both style and irony.
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Episode notes
Scientists Reassert The Scientific Process
- Scientists are mobilizing to defend the scientific process against coordinated political attacks.
- They republish literature reviews rapidly to refute administration reports and reassert consensus findings.
A Scientist Turns Candidate
- Megan O'Rourke quit her USDA climate job and ran for Congress to fight anti-science policy.
- She admitted she wasn't trained for politics but felt she couldn't combat attacks from inside her role.
Nuance Loses To Political Simplification
- Government scientists face acute dilemmas when leaders publicly overstate or simplify nuanced findings.
- Oreskes notes that officials' subtleties get lost when political figures issue blunt directives.
