A review by joanna_banana
The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey Into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

5.0

This book is amazing—it challenged the way I think about physics, science, scientists, and the systems and social norms that have shaped them both. It is in part Dr Prescod-Weinstein’s autobiography and in part social and scientific commentary. Part I, Just Physics, was a good refresher for me and took physics to the next level taking care to identify the origin and problem with a lot of the terminology we use like dark matter and heteronormative space time concepts that are far from how the universe actually works—we have projected white supremacy, anti-Black racism, and the gender binary onto the Cosmos. Part II was not at all surprising and yet so very enraging. The biggest takeaway for me here was how capitalism has influenced my thinking and how I commoditize Black bodies; seeing the impact of white supremacy and misuse of science as a waste of their genius and potential instead of a humanitarian crisis to address to achieve justice and liberation. Gave me a lot to think about. And then Part III hit very close to home especially Chapter 10 discussing the “Wages for Scientific Housework.” As a woman administrator in a scientific organization I could relate. We just closed our inaugural DEI summit at Fred Hutch with a discussion of who carries the burden of DEI work. Chapter 11 on rape was also an important discussion that I found incredibly powerful for any real conversation on these topics. In Part IV it all comes together. “Let’s remember what we are for and not just against.” She quotes. Dr. Prescod-Weinstein asks us to reimagine physics. This part made me wonder when we talk about inclusion it’s not enough. What are we being included in? She takes such care with language throughout and its important we have feminist physics instead of womxn in physics. Made me think about the Women in Business group I’m in. Do we even want to be a part of it as it currently is designed? No. A better world is possible.