Feminism Controversy over Scientist’s Shirt

It is funny how two people can see the same situation in two completely different ways. Everything is a matter of perspective and priorities.

Scientists have successfully landed a spacecraft on a comet for the first time. Rosetta was launched over ten years ago, and has traveled over six billion kilometers in that time. Its probe, Philae, separated on November 12, and touched down on comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko seven hours later. It is relaying images and data, as Rosetta continues to orbit the comet and deliver data.

Dr. Matt Taylor is a member of the European Space Agency, and was the project scientist behind this mission. However, the excitement of this success took a downward spiral when he appeared on “BBC Breakfast” wearing a t-shirt printed with scantily clad women.

Does progression in science condone a lack of progression in terms of equal rights? Many argue no, which explains outrage from feminists everywhere all over social media. Again, perspective is everything.

One response is that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is already male dominated, and the images on his t-shirt scream that women are not welcome in these fields. The focus is on the female body as an object, rather than the female human being as an intellectual with the ability to contribute to scientific advancement. This view of women desperately needs to be overturned.

Some say that although they do not condone his shirt, they are glad that the double standard on clothing has been exposed. In the same way women are often judged by their clothing rather than their science, now Taylor is facing the same thing.

Let us get something straight: I am a feminist. I believe we have the right to the same opportunities and the same respect as men do, and should be treated as people rather than objects. And I am generally offended by clothing of the type that Taylor wore on television. I used to work in retail and was embarrassed by some of the men’s t-shirts we sold, and it always made me mad when I had to ring those t-shirts through for guys. I always felt like saying, sorry this is not for sale. Which is why I understand where these feminists are coming from.

It was definitely inappropriate and in poor taste for Taylor to wear this at all, especially on camera. This heated response would not have occurred at all had this not been broadcasted. But at the end of the day, it is the principle of the matter which is that clothing which objectifies women should not be acceptable.

Taylor has issued an apology, which some still will not accept because they think the negative publicity “coerced” him into it. However, he seemed pretty upset in the video, and all we can do is give him the benefit of the doubt. Everything has a time and place, which is why we should just accept his apology and move on to celebrate his scientific success.