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Original poster

Segregation of Female Scientists!

90 replies

Sheitgeist · 10/06/2015 12:10

Started a thread in Chat about this, but no one's noticed.

The Nobel Laureate Tim Hunt has made some ridiculous comments about female scientists:

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/10/nobel-scientist-tim-hunt-female-scientists-cause-trouble-for-men-in-labs

He's apologised for causing offence, but says he still means it!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sheitgeist · 10/06/2015 15:36

A distraction. Sigh. I can't help but have this ridiculous image of a Benny Hill chase with busty, 'girl' scientists wearing short, revealing lab coats and goofy, bespectacled 'proper' men scientists chasing each other around the lab and not getting much work done.

I know the reality is very much more mundane and dull. Because most people are professional, respectful towards their professional peers, and can manage to get through the working day without falling in love or crying.

OP posts:
slicedfinger · 10/06/2015 15:21

Utterly gobsmacked that he continues to defend it!

That is a nice rack…I can completely understand that the male scientists might find themselves distracted by it.

thedancingbear · 10/06/2015 15:16

Exactly, scallops, you can just tell this guy's a massive workplace bully. He wouldn't spout this shit if anyone was in a position to stand up to him.

scallopsrgreat · 10/06/2015 15:08

"But lest we forget, the problem is not just the romance but also the fact 'women cry' when you criticise them."
Because obviously crying is the worst thing you can do in a lab... oh wait.

I agree with you tribpot. What passes as 'criticism' could also be described as abuse. Or bullying. Or micro managing. Or full of one's own self-importance.

MrNoseybonk · 10/06/2015 14:52

I've worked in science for years in all male labs, mixed labs and predominantly femal labs and have never known any crying or sexual shenanigans to happen.
Sounds like he is a typical bully and mysoginist.
Who the hell falls in love with their staff these days?
He should be more professional.

tribpot · 10/06/2015 14:41

My fave.

CollatalieSisters · 10/06/2015 14:00

I heard this on the radio on in the background this morning and, not catching the entirety, thought he'd made some satirical remarks that had been taken seriously in an unfortunate cross-culture mix-up. Then I was like Shock Angry Angry when I understood it was some serious remarks. I knew people with these views existed, but not to have the sense/perspective to know that most people are going to think you are ludicrous and that this is standing in the way of women in science... words fail me

slug · 10/06/2015 13:52

As always twitter has a response

tribpot · 10/06/2015 13:51

Surely by his logic they should be banned from science altogether.

I think he is advocating the banning of all women, gay men and bisexuals actually. Oh, and anyone left who can't take criticism.

sashh · 10/06/2015 13:38

Well yes that scientist Pierre Curie went right down hill when a woman joined his lab as a student.

thedancingbear · 10/06/2015 13:38

^"Brilliant Scientist is also a Silly Twat"

Now there's news . . .^

Well yes, and that.

thedancingbear · 10/06/2015 13:37

as for the bisexuals, they would need individual labs.

Surely by his logic they should be banned from science altogether. The lascivious fuckers cannot be trusted around anyone!

Andrewofgg · 10/06/2015 13:29

"Brilliant Scientist is also a Silly Twat"

Now there's news . . .

tribpot · 10/06/2015 12:28

Presumably to avoid any form of romantic entanglements, it would have to be lesbians and straight guys in one lab, gay guys and straight women in another - and as for the bisexuals, they would need individual labs.

But lest we forget, the problem is not just the romance but also the fact 'women cry' when you criticise them. And the pursuit of scientific truth requires there to be criticism. QED: women cannot be scientists. Presumably gay guys can take the criticism and so merely have to promise not to fall in love with anyone to pass muster.

EBearhug · 10/06/2015 12:20

The trouble is more like men failing to support women in STEM careers, and sexually harassing (when they're "in love with") the women who do manage to stick it out.

It's just so depressing.