Thanks for that Wynn - I missed that Twitter chat so I'll take a look, if I can find it!
I certainly wasn't accusing Brian Cox or the producers of the programme of sexism or misogyny - I just thought it was a shame there weren't any women in the show but if there's a valid reason behind that, then so be it.
I'm sure like everyone on here, I do think it's important that we identify instances when women are absent in the conversation (in whatever walk of life that may be) as there wont always be a valid reason. Where there isn't, we need to identify the reasons behind that absence (often not an easy process) and see what we can do to rectify that. The more role models we have, the more young girls will see a future in that field.
Kind regards all, and wrap up warm!
Felicity
Felicity Liggins
Climate Consultant | STEM Outreach Coordinator
Met Office, FitzRoy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1392 886601 Fax: +44 (0) 1392 885681
Find out more about our world leading science and partnerships at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Wynn Abbott
Sent: 18 November 2013 10:28
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Science of Doctor Who
Seems extreme to suggest these things are 'misogynistic' - really?
On the original point of there being no women in 'Science of Dr Who' -- there was a discussion on Twitter about this (incl. some close to the BBC team), and it seems that there were a few women in line to appear but they pulled out at the last minute.
I have to sympathise because I had similar problems when setting up a panel recently.
Brian Cox took part in a ScienceGrrl fundraiser in Manchester http://sciencegrrl.co.uk/celebrate-first-birthday-prof-brian-cox-gia-milinovich - he's hardly shying away from supporting the opposite sex.
Tracy King made some interesting points about women speakers http://www.tkingdoll.com/2013/09/women-speakers-at-events.html
...good points - but can be extremely difficult to put into practice. Will hopefully become easier in coming years.
Wynn
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Louisa Radice
Sent: 17 November 2013 23:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Science of Doctor Who
By contrast, when Brian Cox starred in Uncaged Monkeys roadshow with Dr Ben Goldacre et al, there were some women included in the act. Unfortunately (as I saw it) they were reduced to being decorative and singing songs about Countdown and fancying male colleagues, while the male stars had sole responsibility for presenting real science. That combined with Dara O'Brien giving a gratuitous description of his wife's childbirth experiences left me with a distinctly misogynistic impression.
Louisa (Met Office 2001 - 2009)
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 11:17:57 +0000
From: "Liggins, Felicity" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Science of Doctor Who
I rather enjoyed it too and for once was rather pleased it wasn't aimed at youngsters, I certainly learned a few things.
However, my enjoyment was tempered by the lack of women setting foot on the RI stage. Indeed, that 'little girl in the audience inspired by the talk' (referred to by Matt Smith at the end) might well wonder if she's able to do science at all...
Just a little grump on a sunny Friday morning.
Felicity
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