Discussing Bird Renaming: Racism, Inclusion, & Birdwatching Community | Spotlight PA Interview with Tanisha Thomas
Discussing Bird Renaming: Racism, Inclusion, & Birdwatching Community | Spotlight PA Interview
In this in-depth conversation, Tanisha Thomas from Spotlight PA talks about her research on the process of renaming birds by the American Ornithological Society. The society's leader, Colleen Handel, aims to shift the focus from the human-oriented bird naming conventions (often influenced by Eurocentric bias) to a more bird-centric approach - taking into account the birds' features, characteristics, and habitat. The hope is that this change will foster diversity and inclusion within the birdwatching community.
Tanisha also shares how major events like the murder of George Floyd and the Central Park incident have led to a reevaluation of bird names. Finally, she discusses the response within the birdwatching community and their resilience towards constant changes.
00:00 Introduction to Bird Naming Controversy
00:00 The Motivation Behind Changing Bird Names
01:02 Historical Context and Controversy
02:44 The Process of Renaming Birds
03:32 Reaction from the Birdwatching Community
05:45 Inclusivity and Diversity in Birdwatching
07:48 Renaming Birds: A Common Practice
09:44 Implications for Pennsylvania
10:46 Reporter's Reflections and Learnings
12:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this in-depth conversation, Tanisha Thomas from Spotlight PA talks about her research on the process of renaming birds by the American Ornithological Society. The society's leader, Colleen Handel, aims to shift the focus from the human-oriented bird naming conventions (often influenced by Eurocentric bias) to a more bird-centric approach - taking into account the birds' features, characteristics, and habitat. The hope is that this change will foster diversity and inclusion within the birdwatching community.
Tanisha also shares how major events like the murder of George Floyd and the Central Park incident have led to a reevaluation of bird names. Finally, she discusses the response within the birdwatching community and their resilience towards constant changes.
00:00 Introduction to Bird Naming Controversy
00:00 The Motivation Behind Changing Bird Names
01:02 Historical Context and Controversy
02:44 The Process of Renaming Birds
03:32 Reaction from the Birdwatching Community
05:45 Inclusivity and Diversity in Birdwatching
07:48 Renaming Birds: A Common Practice
09:44 Implications for Pennsylvania
10:46 Reporter's Reflections and Learnings
12:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
