Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Starry Messenger

(32,375 posts)
Wed Jun 10, 2015, 02:38 PM Jun 2015

Nobel Laureate In Hot Water For 'Trouble With Girls' In Labs

Last edited Wed Jun 10, 2015, 04:27 PM - Edit history (1)

Gosh, and people wonder why women aren't flocking to STEM careers...

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/10/413429407/nobel-laureate-in-hot-water-for-trouble-with-girls-in-labs



In 2001, Tim Hunt won a share of a Nobel Prize. In 2006, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. But in 2015, he's being widely criticized for his recent remarks about women in science, including: "when you criticize them, they cry."

Hunt, a biochemist, made that and other comments during a speech this week at the World Conference of Science Journalists that's being held in South Korea this week. He was quoted in a tweet that's since been shared hundreds of times, asking the audience to "let me tell you about my trouble with girls."

"Three things happen when they are in the lab," Hunt said, according to conference attendee Connie St. Louis, who is both a scientist and journalist. "You fall in love with them, they fall in love with you and when you criticize them, they cry."

Hunt, 72, went on to say that he doesn't want to get in the way of women in science — but that he favors the idea of single-sex labs. The scientist confirmed today that his words had been accurately reported, and he apologized for offending people, even as he insisted that the presence of women in labs is "disruptive."

<snip>

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Nobel Laureate In Hot Water For 'Trouble With Girls' In Labs (Original Post) Starry Messenger Jun 2015 OP
as well hee should be Romeo.lima333 Jun 2015 #1
I'd bet his tears-inducing "criticism" of those fragile females was actually bullying and harassment zazen Jun 2015 #2
It sounds like he's grabby-hands too. Starry Messenger Jun 2015 #3
I've worked in labs with other women for years Novara Jun 2015 #4
He certainly couldn't control his mouth. Starry Messenger Jun 2015 #5
Let me tell you about his trouble with women. Gormy Cuss Jun 2015 #6
He resigned his post Starry Messenger Jun 2015 #7

zazen

(2,978 posts)
2. I'd bet his tears-inducing "criticism" of those fragile females was actually bullying and harassment
Wed Jun 10, 2015, 03:38 PM
Jun 2015

If that many women scientists are crying when you criticize them, maybe you've got the problem? But self-reflection and accountability is probably not something he's had to spend a lot of time cultivating, since he's been propped by possession of a pee-pee for 72 years.

Gormy Cuss

(30,884 posts)
6. Let me tell you about his trouble with women.
Wed Jun 10, 2015, 09:56 PM
Jun 2015

First, he calls fellow scientists "girls.".....
Then he admits that they're better at focusing on work in the lab.

Starry Messenger

(32,375 posts)
7. He resigned his post
Wed Jun 10, 2015, 10:30 PM
Jun 2015

So he'll have a little less trouble. The august Royal Society tweeted to distance themselves from his remarks, and disavow his position. That'll leave a mark!

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Feminists»Nobel Laureate In Hot Wat...