We Have a Girl-Crush on Mae Jemison: Doctor, Mentor, Women’s Advocate, Peace Corps Alum, Dancer, and, um, ASTRONAUT
This week we got to see Mae Jemison speak at an event for the always-awesome AAUW. Let us just say, WE LOVE HER. Lady went to Stanford at age 16, where she double-majored in chemical engineering and African American studies. After stints in the Peace Corps and working as a general practitioner, she joined NASA, and eventually became the first woman of color to go into space.
And it doesn’t stop there. She founded a school in Detroit, a foundation devoted to women in science and math, and tours the country speaking on behalf of women in sciences. (Also, we love the fact that her cats are named Sneeze and Little Mama.)
Anyway—at the event, she spoke about the lack of women in science and math and why we all should care. She also talked more broadly about the messages young women receive in our culture, and challenged some static ideas Americans have.
There’s no way reading what she said in any way measures up to hearing her say it, but a few choice quotes:
- On the fact that women in sciences have to produce 20 more papers than their male colleagues in order to be considered competent (and those considered competent are also “less likable”):
You’re supposed to say, “you ok? All alright?” You’re supposed to take care of people. Well, if you’re trying to write 20 extra papers, it’s really hard!
- On the notion of “genius:”
If you require women to behave in a way that’s socially acceptable, you truncate their abilities. Society won’t allow women to have the singular focus that’s attributable to genius. Think about it.
- On studies like those done at AAUW that prove that women have to work harder, and are judged more harshly than men:
It shows that it actually IS. It’s not just that you think it is.
It’s familiar, yes, but damn if she didn’t say it well. And that last point—that it’s A problem, not MY (or your) personal problem—really couldn’t be more critical.
