I remember discussing my project with you at one of the science meetings. I
liked your spirit and attitude. You helped me to understand the problems
associated with the project I had and how to make changes.
> I smile wryly at the young women who, just as I did, figure
> that it's all based on merit and consider we are all fighting old wars.
> I have been told that my outspokeness on this group, as well as
> elsewhere, is viewed as "militant" and may hurt my career.
> But we have to work to create a profession, and a society, that
> welcomes everyone's participation regardless of how they "conform" to
> outmoded
> and unnecessary standars. OTherwise, the potential of women and minority
> scientists will be hobbled, and many great contributions will be lost.
>> Meanwhile, don't underestimate the backlash against us. There are
> a LOT of anti-feminism web sites that demonize us--all of us.
> (Check out http://www.equityfeminism.com/, for example--which
> even belongs to an anti-feminism ring. Clever name, isn't it?). They
> are scary, and some of them are probably in Congress.
>> The battle continues.
>
When I returned, I tried implementing your suggestions. My PI was not
amused. Long story short- I was told if I continued my research and
obtained a PhD, he said he would make sure I would never obtain any work as
a geneticist. Since this individual is extremely well connected within the
community and I wanted to remain in the city and state - I left with a
Master's.
I found out later only one other woman had graduated from his lab with a
PhD. The battle was won via a lawsuit with a couple years down the road
involved. Everyone else that had graduated with a PhD from this lab was
male. All the other female graduate students were forced out with a
Master's if they got that at all.
Now I'm trying to switch careers to get out of the hellhole I'm in now. You
don't get anywhere in science with just a Master's. It taught me some
lessons I won't ever forget. I'm sure now I'll get along just fine with the
other sharks in the water once I figure out which direction I need to go. I
have had it with this male-dominance crap.
The other women in the department either faired as well as I had or had been
forced out as well. The group still stays in touch to nudge each other in
support when it's needed. I hope you continue to give these b****ards
hell. Someone needs to break through that damned macho egotistical barrier
we all run into over and over again. I feel we all need to in order to get
the respect we deserve because nobody is just going to give it to us.
Cleop
