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Where Were You on 1/14? [Harvard feminism crisis]
Wall Street Journal ^ | 3/29/05 | CHRISTINA HOFF SOMMERS and SALLY SATEL

Posted on 03/29/2005 6:46:48 AM PST by mathprof

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University hosted a conference last week entitled "Impediments to Change: Revisiting the Women in Science Question." The auditorium in Agassiz Theatre in Radcliffe Yard was packed. Dedicated in 1904, the theatre has been the site of many a spirited intellectual exchange. But on this day it was a forum not for debate but for indignation over the insult that the assembled referred to as "1/14" -- the date when Harvard President Larry Summers fatefully speculated about the possibility of inborn differences between the sexes.

The six assembled panelists, four from Harvard, two from MIT, did not challenge one another -- as scholarly panelists often do -- but basked in their shared conviction that there is only one explanation for why fewer women than men teach math and physics at Harvard or MIT: sexist bias. In fact, their only motive for "revisiting" the women-in-science question, was to give a proper burial to the hypothesis that there are significant biologically-based differences between men and women.

[snip]

Perhaps the most troubling presentation was that of Harvard psychologist Elizabeth Spelke. She declared herself a diligent researcher who cared about solid methodology and accurate results. But instead of letting the audience know that the research on sex differences is a vibrant and contentious area of science, she claimed that the thesis of innate difference had been definitively refuted. The evidence against it, she said, "is as conclusive as any case I know in science."

If these traumatized conference participants should somehow succeed in establishing "1/14" as a notable day in American academic history, then another infamous day will also deserve adverse notice: On "3/21" Radcliffe College, once synonymous with the highest standards of women's education, abandoned all pretense to intellectual seriousness.

(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Philosophy
KEYWORDS: academia; christinahoffsommers; larrysummers; sexdifferences; summners
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To: SittinYonder

You are so bad....but I'll share a joke with you my hubby told me.

What's the first thing a woman does when she comes home from the women's shelter?

The dishes....if she knows what's good for her.


21 posted on 03/29/2005 7:30:08 AM PST by Arpege92 (How about rooting for our side for a change, you LIBERAL MORON!)
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To: thoughtomator

Prosecotors have a line, "Shrinks (psychologists) are like hookers. Pay them the money, and they'll tell you whatever you want to hear."


22 posted on 03/29/2005 7:30:19 AM PST by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
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To: mathprof; All

What was I doing 1/14?

At the spa getting my nails done, and a massage. Afterwards shopping at Niemanns. All in anticipation of an exciting evening with my husband of 23 years.

Because, unlike these angry females who'd rather sport penuses than vaginas, I'm the kind of smart feminine woman who prefers to be doted on in superior fashion. And I do mean "superior" fashion.


23 posted on 03/29/2005 7:31:31 AM PST by peacebaby (somewhere at the beach there's an empty chair just waiting for me.)
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To: mathprof
"there is only one explanation for why fewer women than men teach math and physics at Harvard or MIT: sexist bias."

Actually, it is "sex bias by white Christian males." Sex bias by black Africans or Muslims, any one who is of a superior cultural background or who's ethnic or political affiliates urges the destruction of America or capitalism, is acceptable and, in fact, most not be criticised in any way.

At Harvard, these women will accept the concept and practice of female genital mutilation if it is endorsded by the head of the African Studies Department as a cultural and sacred African thing.

Remember, this has nothing to do with gender differences; it is solely a political issue, an issue of the neocommunist, anti-Americans against us good guys.

24 posted on 03/29/2005 7:46:27 AM PST by Tacis ( SEAL THE FRIGGEN BORDER!!!)
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To: 2banana
Why do men marry women?

Because sheep can't cook.

25 posted on 03/29/2005 7:48:01 AM PST by Rudder
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To: 2banana

The first thing Harvard feminists should do is embrace the correct name of their school, which is Radcliffe and stop pretending they teach or attend Harvard, which is historically a male only institution. The need to cozy up to men, and bask in the glory of the men's tradition does not speak well of either their independence or confidence.


26 posted on 03/29/2005 7:50:18 AM PST by Jack Black
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To: mathprof

We could call it drama queen day.

It could be dedicated to women who have overcome their personal and professional incompetence thanks to quotas.


27 posted on 03/29/2005 7:51:15 AM PST by longtermmemmory (VOTE!)
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To: Jack Black

"The first thing Harvard feminists should do is embrace the correct name of their school, which is Radcliffe ...The need to cozy up to men, and bask in the glory of the men's tradition does not speak well of either their independence or confidence."

I appreciate your wisdom. I agree.


28 posted on 03/29/2005 7:57:38 AM PST by peacebaby (somewhere at the beach there's an empty chair just waiting for me.)
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To: mathprof
"I had to walk out out of respect for my blood pressure."

Translated into standard English, that means "I had to walk out to call the New York Times."

29 posted on 03/29/2005 8:10:49 AM PST by freespirited
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To: Rudder

That was Baaaaaaaaaaaaa-d!


30 posted on 03/29/2005 8:30:57 AM PST by TrueKnightGalahad (It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye. A S-E)
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To: 2banana

Why does a bride always wear white?
Because you want the dishwasher to match the fridge!


31 posted on 03/29/2005 12:08:40 PM PST by Holicheese (This is Hockey East)
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