I have a small contribution to the very interesting conversation between Matt Winn and Les Bernstein. I recommend those of you who are also interested in this conversation watch “Picture a Scientist”, which is on Netflix in the U.S. until June 12. It is a fascinating description of some of the obstacles faced by women in general and black
women in particular, in academia. I agree with Les that, ideally, status as a researcher should be earned by a person’s contributions to their field. The problem is that in the real world women get fewer resources and less recognition than men given the same intellect and
productivity. Ditto for minorities. “Picture a Scientist” doesn’t even get into the issues of class, nationality, or able bodiedness, which are also important. Or instead of watching Picture a Scientist (which, after all, will take you 103 minutes), you could invest just two minutes in reading the cartoon below. About the concept of having things handed to you on a plate (or “being born on third
base and thinking you hit a triple”, a quote attributed to Barry Switzer, 1986). Mario A. Svirsky, Ph.D. Noel L. Cohen Professor of Hearing Science, Professor of Otolaryngology (School of Medicine) and Neural Science Vice-Chairman for Research Department of Otolaryngology Address: Dept. of Otolaryngology Phone (direct): 212-263-7217 NYU Langone Medical Center Fax: 212-263-7604 or 212-263-8257 550 First Ave., NBV-5E5 New York, NY 10016 Pronouns: he, him, his CONFIDENTIAL - NYU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE SENSITIVE DOCUMENT “This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information
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