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#76 The Women Of Skepticism

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September 10, 2010 · 13 Comments

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Live from Skeptrack at Dragon*Con, we talk to the women of skepticism about the contributions they’re making to science and critical thinking.

In this episode:

Panelists: Kylie Sturgess of The Token Skeptic, Robynn “Swoopy” McCarthy of Skepticality, and Heidi Anderson and Jenna Marie Griffith of SheThought.

Field recordings: Donna Mugavero, Laurie Tarr, Dr. Pamela Gay, Dr. Rachie Dunlop, Jennifer Ouellette, Maria Walters, A Kovacs, Barbara Drescher

Listen or Download This Episode

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13 Comments so far

  1. That was a spectacular show.

    by Greg Laden · on September 14, 2010 at 10:00 am

  2. Great show. I expect that it was a herculean task to edit it. Thank you.

    by Bruce Press · on September 14, 2010 at 10:46 am

  3. Thanks very much, guys. K.O. Myers is an amazing editor. :)

    by Desiree · on September 14, 2010 at 11:55 am

  4. Thanks for the kind words, you guys. I thought it turned out really well, and I’m glad to know it wasn’t my raging solipsism talking. =)

    by K.O. Myers · on September 15, 2010 at 5:23 am

  5. WOW! Brilliant! *blushes… thanks Kylie! Thanks Desiree & KOM! Fabulous panel. xox

    by catherineLd · on September 15, 2010 at 9:36 pm

  6. Thanks for listening! And from what I hear, for generally being awesome.

    by Desiree · on September 16, 2010 at 5:20 am

  7. oh you! *blushes :D))

    by catherineLd · on September 17, 2010 at 9:17 pm

  8. I believe it’s Robynn “Swoopy” McCarthy who said:

    “…anyone, anyone is welcome; everyone is welcome…”

    Sadly, that statement is something I’m finding to be untrue. I am not the only one who feels this either because I have read of others expressing the same thing.

    I’ve wanted to get involved in the skeptical movement and have made attempts to, but it’s always something. Recently, in the comments section of an article I was called a word I consider vulgar. That was from what seemed to be a well thought of member within the community.

    “Welcome” is not the word I would use.

    by Anonymous · on September 19, 2010 at 6:09 am

  9. While Swoopy is correct in that everyone is welcome, not all situations and people have the same ability to engage in effective welcoming. ;)

    This community is diverse, as is every community. You’re going to run into people that only appear to be concerned with proving themselves more clever, or more strident, than others. But there are many, many other people who genuinely want to open a dialogue, and enjoy discussing ideas, theories and questions. There is currently a great deal of debate within the community (and a veritable plethora of related blog posts) about how we should be communicating with the public, and even how we should be communicating with each other. And there are possibly as many opinions on that, as there are people who consider themselves “skeptics.”

    I’m sorry you’ve had negative experiences with some individuals, but they are not reflective of all of us. If you’re interested, send me an email at desiree@skepticallyspeaking.com, and I’d be happy to give you directions to the more welcoming places on the internet. :)

    by Desiree · on September 19, 2010 at 7:00 am

  10. Anonymous – the comments section of blogs and forums are some of the most brutal places in skepticism. I am not sure how people who pride themselves on critical thinking post some of the things I have read.

    When I created shethought.com, one of the most important pieces for me was to keep the comments section focused on the issues, and not personal attacks. Although we are by no means perfect, I think we are doing a pretty good job.

    Try it out, and see what you think :)

    by Heidi Anderson · on September 19, 2010 at 7:26 am

  11. To add to what Desiree and Heidi said, every community, profession, workplace, organization, or any other group of people has a variety of personalities and views.

    I am very sorry that your experiences have been so negative and I do hope that you find a place with us in which you feel more than just welcomed – valued.

    by Barbara Drescher · on September 19, 2010 at 9:57 am

  12. Anon – been there myself. For quite some time. And it’s still a continuing challenge. In many ways, it’s nothing different to experiences in ‘real life’, even though interchanges online can be much harsher and inconsiderate, since there’s no ‘real person’ to see when you’re typing for a forum post. Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, even outright cherry picking by people who should know very well what that means – seen it all!! :/ It’s not just skepticism, however. Digital Cuttlefish writes of the ‘natural state of the featherless biped’ on his blogsite, which comforts me when things get just way-out silly (‘Soylent green is people’, is another one that I keep in mind!).
    In saying that, as the others have pointed out, it’s a matter of finding your own space and place. Not being too overly impressed by fame has helped me (clay feet, all of us!!) and as Desiree and Heidi have said, feel free to get in contact and suggest ways people can perhaps meet ‘half-way’. Nothing is achieved if we alienate people like yourself, who are willing to try. :(

    by Kylie Sturgess · on September 19, 2010 at 4:11 pm

  13. Wow! Thank you all for your caring feedback. With that, I do plan on taking your recommendations and do plan on hanging in there.

    by Anonymous · on October 17, 2010 at 8:58 am




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