Education Commons^™

Popular Cultural Portrayals Of Those Who Do Mathematics, Carmen M. Latterell, Janelle L. Wilson

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This article examines the popular cultural portrayals of mathematicians, but also anyone who does mathematics. Themes occurring in comic strips, television programs, literature, and, especially, in the movies are examined. Implications discussed include that secondary students are not going to be willing to do mathematics, if doing mathematics is not presented as a cultural activity.