Neil deGrasse Tyson on Oppression

Harvard University President Lawrence Summers asks a panel of scientists what genetic differences could explain why there are fewer women in science.

Neil deGrasse Tyson responds with his experiences as a black man growing up with the many societal roadblocks to becoming a scientist: i.e. "Don't you want to become an athlete?"

Tyson says: "Before we start talking about genetic differences, you have to come up with a system where there is equal opportunity. Then we can have that conversation."

I love that he does this gracefully without tearing down or resorting to attacking President Lawrence Summers. He gives his own perspective based on his experiences rather than focusing on attacking someone else's perceptions.

http://www.upworthy.com/neil-degrasse-tyson-reveals-that-hes-been-black-his-whole-life-hilarity-and-wisdom-follow?g=2&c=hpstream

Take a look at what sexual consent looks like. Laci Green gives really clear visuals and she's incredibly funny!

Religious Patriarchs

so last night was the vagina monologues... and we had protesters. a few of us went out to talk to them, telling them that their posters and presence may be triggering to sexual assault survivors... at one point one of the women said that the play promotes lesbianism. i immediately shouted out, pointing at myself, "lesbian, right here!" proving her point no doubt, which i actually have no problem with -- what is wrong with "promoting" lesbianism after all? why is that a "bad" thing to do? -- i could not help declaring my existence, an act of confirming my existence and making myself visible to them.

they were preaching that women needed to "get back in place" in order to be "moral" beings again: chaste, pure, de-sexed... they also had a sign that said the vagina monologues demeans women. they said the play encourages masturbation, which they considered dirty and immoral. i asked them what was wrong with masturbating. i knew it was futile to say anything (they *knew* my soul was condemned to hell and that I had "lost" my way... paternalism at its best), but it's just such a curious worldview, one i can't help but want to understand... i know understanding it, understanding their beliefs, will help me figure out how this patriarchal society keeps itself alive.