Don’t apologize for me

Do I think that ‘Science: It’s a girl thing!’ video that’s got everybody talking is a hot mess?  Yes.  Am I responsible for that clichéd tripe?  No.  Should I apologize for it?  Fuck no.  I didn’t commission, write, produce, direct or give the thumbs-up to that video.  Why, then, would I apologize for it?  For no good reason that I can think of!  But a writer over at @TheAtlanticTech has seen fit to issue an apology on my behalf.  Actually, the apology was on behalf of all women, everywhere.

From: Women, everywhere
Subject: ”Science: It’s a Girl Thing!”
Date: June 27, 2012 11:15 AM EDT
To: Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, Florence Nightingale, Rosalind Franklin, Jane Goodall, and millions more …
Cc: European Commission

Dear Dr. Curie et al,

On behalf of women, the world, progress, and the year 2012, we would like to apologize for the European Commission’s above effort to encourage women to pursue careers in science. Though we were not responsible for the making of the film, we nonetheless feel compelled to express our regret — to you and your legacies — for its creation and continued existence. The advertisement may well have been well-intentioned, and we certainly have no objection to heels or lipstick or sunglasses or muzak or giggles or the synthetic charms of Pepto Bismol Pink.

We believe, however, that science sells itself. It needs no polish or varnish or manufactured appeal to be attractive to women. To imply otherwise is an insult. To science and to women.

Please accept our sincerest apologies.

Yours,
Women, everywhere

Let me see if I’ve got this right.  ”We” (all woman, everywhere)  ”…were not responsible for the making of the film…” but “…we nonetheless feel compelled to express our regret…”.  What kind of bullshit is this?  ”We” (all woman, everywhere) are not responsible but “we” (all woman, everywhere) are going to apologize anyway?

Don’t apologize for me – I didn’t do a damn thing I need to apologize for.  Oh, I have done (and will do) things I’ve had (or will have) to apologize for – but I handle all my own apologies.  

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Editorial Materials & MethodsmA tasty mint julep was enjoyed while writing this post.  The author does not feel compelled to apologize for that either.

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