Women in science: know your limits!

[demmiblue]

Source: The Guardian

The recent 'revelation' that a popular science Facebook site is the work of a woman prompted a number of sexist comments, which were in turn met by serious criticisms. But if you ignore the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, it's true that women just aren't as good at science



As a man, I of course have an innate understanding of science. As a bespectacled man who started going bald when he was 17 years old, this is even truer for me than most. I was often allowed to skip science exams at GCSE and A-Level. The teachers would usually take one look at me, correctly assume that I already knew more than enough to pass, and save my time and theirs by letting me avoid a clearly unnecessary assessment.

Sadly, it's an undeniable fact that the same cannot be said of women. It's nobody's fault, but it's not something that should be ignored any longer. The recent "revelation" that the popular Facebook site "I Fucking Love Science" is run by a woman resulted in numerous sexist comments based on her gender, looks and well-known stereotypes. But should we not look at why this reaction occurred?

Now I'm as non-sexist as the next thirty-something heterosexual white male with his own dedicated section on a high-profile media site, but surely more could be achieved if we acknowledged the inherent deficit females have when it comes to understanding science, rather than just ignoring it?

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/brain-flapping/2013/mar/21/women-in-science-know-your-limits

[MineralMan]

1. While I suppose this was written as an attempt at humor,

it's not really that funny. Far too many people hold the same ideas seriously for me to laugh at this.

[ljm2002]

6. If you didn't follow any of the links...

...then I suppose it could be taken as if he meant it. But for the truly thick, he did come out at the end and say it was not a serious piece.

Personally I thought it was very well done, and aimed at exactly the sort of male chauvinist prig who would be alarmed that the "I Fucking Love Science" blog is maintained by a female.

[ProfessionalLeftist]

2. If you're on Facebook, she has a great page

Hope she doesn't let the knuckle-draggers get to her!

https://www.facebook.com/IFeakingLoveScience

[demmiblue]

3. I don't have a Facebook account, but I can still view the page.

Damn, 4.3 million likes!

I first heard about her when she started a twitter account several days ago.

Elise Andrew @Elise_Andrew

EVERY COMMENT on that thread is about how shocking it is that I'm a woman! Is this really 2013?
4:10 PM - 20 Mar 13

Dean Burnett does an excellent job poking fun at the knuckle draggers!

[Gregorian]

4. I know. Amazing popularity. I just joined FB involuntarily a few weeks ago.

There are a few good things there. I still can't believe she has that following.

[postulater]

5. My daughter sends me stuff from there all the time.

[LadyHawkAZ]

7. I love that page

and I share your hope.

[redqueen]

10. Thanks for that.

[GoneOffShore]

8. Very funny stuff - Especially if you've lived in the UK.

The kind of ironic overstatement that is often employed to make a serious point.

[Betsy Ross]

9. When I first started hanging out on the internet

in the late 70's, I used a gender-neutral name. I hung out in math and science chat rooms. I didn't think much of it until others started referring to me as a male. It's true: On the internet, nobody knows you're a dog.