I hardly think that my attitude is "sanguine" or that I at all implied that I
think that "discrimination does not exist".
If you recall, I was the one who started this original thread (by asking why
one's activity in such things as "Women in Science" is often attached with
stigma).... HOWEVER, I think that it is important to try to gain a balance
perspective and try to over-rule the "all men (at least those in power) are
bad" attitudes. This is not helpful and yet an attitude that IS easy to
adopt for some people (yes, I feel I've met some people who sound this way).
As for "the old boys network", it is clear that it exists in some areas (and
more in some institutions), and it is equally clear that it is "politically
incorrect" to want to be in it (or not proud, as you say). That is why I feel
things have changed- it USED to be politically correct to be both in it and to
be proud of being in it overtly!
The whole point is, I agree, that it is important to continue to discuss these
issues in an open forum- that's why I participate in this newsgroup and that's
also why I've been the newsletter editor for the Women in Neuroscience
organization for the past two years. Identifying the problems (salary
inequity, overt gender differences in obtaining tenure, etc) without using
jargony blanket phrases (like the "old boys etc"..) is the best defense
towards facing things that may be intimidating.
Personally, my hope is that someday my active participation in "Women in
Neuroscience" will no longer be necessary for the reason that the
"distinction"(eg being a woman) will be moot and we can concentrate solely on
the science...Until that time....
Regards,
June
<a-schmi-2110970016170001 at vortex5.life.uiuc.edu>wrote:
Actually, I thought that one of the things that Mary Ann Sesma made a
point of saying was that there are some women who refuse to acknowledge
that discrimination exists and prefer to believe that all is well. While
i agree that things are changing, I am not sure that your sanguine
attitude is fully justified.
