Math/Science query

[sheilagh]

Was it someone on my friendslist (originalkitsune or cindyscarlett?) who recently mentioned a scientist or mathematician who noted a significant change in peer treatment after transitioning from female to male? That is, that the same person was treated better by academic peers after no long appearing female?

Could've sworn I saw that link here...

Comments

[originalkitsune]

It wasn't me, but are you talking about Ben Barres? http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060714174545.htm

[sheilagh]

That's perfect! What I recall was a more personal anecdote, but this has even more data. Thanks!

[alobar]

Sexual transitions bring out the worst in some people. I remember reading of a M to F electrician back in the 190s who was hired at a feminist radio station. Some bitterly complained because the woman had grown up with male privilege so the job should have been given to a "real woman".

[luxcanon]

Transgender politics might make some people extra careful for fear of being labeled insensitive or prejudiced. Like, if you thought some one was unduly motivated by monetary reward, you might be tempted to say something, but if you found out they were of an ethnic group which is stereotypically associated with that trait, you might be very careful not to say anything, for example.

[sheilagh]

Aye, very true. The anecdote I am recalling had more to do with other academicians NOT knowing the prior gender of the now-male peer whom they esteemed highly for his work. The before and after treatment was significantly different.

[theidolhands]

Yeah, I'm uncomfortable with the "apologetics" I'm seeing from two men on this topic.

Dudes, all you got to do is read the article, this is not about what you're trying to make it about.

In luxcanon's clumsy paralell, if applied here, the female would be doing worse and people around them would be "very careful" not to say anything as she is from a minority associated at being poor in science. They would not want to confront her due to the fact that folks would think they were falling into stereotypes. OTOH, Ben did not experience that as a female, not even as a female who was in fact apparently quite masculine at heart, rather Ben experienced prejudice and presumption that they simply weren't as good based solely on gender

[theidolhands]

As this post is very old, I'll make a mere mention in the comments here to alobar's remark:

This didn't "bring out the worst in people", it exposed that science despite often touting itself as superior in society these days, still suffers a major issue with sexism. For in fact, Ben was magically issued that self same "male privilege" mentioned in relation to your comment. They had no idea he was the same person with the exact same abilities, yet were treating him with far more respect as a male.

[sheilagh]

Aye, interesting what filters people have, whether assuming content/context from my loose summary, or worse, reading and completely missing details. Privilege blinds.