Jump to content

Rebecca Watson: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
[pending revision][pending revision]
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Undid revision 443873893 by Sandra Knight (talk) Not without a reference.
Line 69: Line 69:
In June 2011 Watson made statements in a video, concerning how a man in an elevator had made Watson feel uncomfortable by inviting her to his room for coffee and a conversation at 4 A.M.,<ref name="elevatormanquoteaccordingtowatson">{{cite video | people = Rebecca Watson | date = 2011-06-20 | title = About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKHwduG1Frk | format = YouTube | time = 4:55 | quote = Don't take this the wrong way, but I find you very interesting. And I would like to talk more, would you like to come to my hotel room for coffee?}}</ref> which she felt was an example of how she had been sexualized in the skeptical community.<ref name="watsonreactiontoelevatorman">{{cite video | people = Rebecca Watson | date = 2011-06-20 | title = About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKHwduG1Frk | format = YouTube | time = 5:36 | quote = ... it creeps me out and makes me uncomfortable when men sexualize me in that manner.}}</ref> This has sparked great controversy.<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576431943681248906.html</ref> Many agreed with and supported Watson, whilst many criticized her, considering the accusation of sexualization, or even that he was hitting on her, unfounded and revealing a sexist view of men. This is strongly denied by Watson and her supporters. Many of her critics found her to be making a big deal out of a trivial incident, most notably [[Richard Dawkins]], who satirically wrote from the perspective of a Muslim woman.<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/07/always_name_names.php#comment-4295492</ref> This caused him to be greatly criticized by Watson and those supporting her on the issue, including several famous figures in the community.<ref name="privilege-delusion">http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion</ref><ref>http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/07/richard-dawkins-draws-feminist-wrath-over-sexual-harassment-comments/39637/</ref> Watson announced that she would not buy or endorse Dawkins's books and lectures in the future.<ref name="privilege-delusion"/>
In June 2011 Watson made statements in a video, concerning how a man in an elevator had made Watson feel uncomfortable by inviting her to his room for coffee and a conversation at 4 A.M.,<ref name="elevatormanquoteaccordingtowatson">{{cite video | people = Rebecca Watson | date = 2011-06-20 | title = About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKHwduG1Frk | format = YouTube | time = 4:55 | quote = Don't take this the wrong way, but I find you very interesting. And I would like to talk more, would you like to come to my hotel room for coffee?}}</ref> which she felt was an example of how she had been sexualized in the skeptical community.<ref name="watsonreactiontoelevatorman">{{cite video | people = Rebecca Watson | date = 2011-06-20 | title = About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKHwduG1Frk | format = YouTube | time = 5:36 | quote = ... it creeps me out and makes me uncomfortable when men sexualize me in that manner.}}</ref> This has sparked great controversy.<ref>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576431943681248906.html</ref> Many agreed with and supported Watson, whilst many criticized her, considering the accusation of sexualization, or even that he was hitting on her, unfounded and revealing a sexist view of men. This is strongly denied by Watson and her supporters. Many of her critics found her to be making a big deal out of a trivial incident, most notably [[Richard Dawkins]], who satirically wrote from the perspective of a Muslim woman.<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/07/always_name_names.php#comment-4295492</ref> This caused him to be greatly criticized by Watson and those supporting her on the issue, including several famous figures in the community.<ref name="privilege-delusion">http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion</ref><ref>http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/07/richard-dawkins-draws-feminist-wrath-over-sexual-harassment-comments/39637/</ref> Watson announced that she would not buy or endorse Dawkins's books and lectures in the future.<ref name="privilege-delusion"/>


The several months long debate also included Watson and her friends attacking Dawkin's along the lines of privilege,<ref> http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2011/07/elevators_and_privilege_a_lett.php</ref> but also had some asking the question "do white females have more privilege to speak about these issues?" Some maintained that White Female Privilege was at the center of the debate <ref> http://scienceblogs.com/erv/2011/08/have_you_ever_met.php</ref>, and many, if not all white females objected to their privilege being called by name.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[New England Skeptical Society]]
* [[New England Skeptical Society]]

Revision as of 23:30, 26 August 2011

Rebecca Watson
Born (1980-10-18) October 18, 1980 (age 43)
United States
Other namesThe Skepchick
Years active2005–present
Known forSkeptical Rogue to Steven Novella on The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast, Science, atheism
Websiteskepchick.org

Rebecca Watson (born October 18, 1980) is a blogger and independent podcast host. She is the founder of Skepchick[1] and a co-host on The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe and Little Atoms podcasts.[2]

In 2007, she entered a contest called Public Radio Talent Quest,[3] and together with Al Letson and Glynn Washington was one of the winners.[4] On July 11, 2009, she and Sid Rodrigues were married in a surprise ceremony during The Amaz!ng Meeting 7.[5] However, on April 8, 2011, she announced that she and Rodrigues were separated and seeking a divorce.[6]

Skepchick

Skepchick was founded in 2005 by Rebecca Watson, who described it as "an organization dedicated to promoting skepticism and critical thinking among women around the world."[7] Originally the site consisted of a forum and a monthly online magazine, Skepchick Magazine, which was launched January 15, 2006.[8]

In 2006, Rebecca released The Skepchick Calendar, a pin-up calendar featuring pictures of skeptical women for every month. Proceeds provided the attendance fee for several female applicants to attend the James Randi Educational Foundation's The Amaz!ng Meeting.[9] [failed verification]New calendars have been made in subsequent years, including Skepdude Calendars since 2007.[10]

On February 12, 2006, Watson created a blog titled Memoirs of a Skepchick, as an addition to the magazine.[11] Eventually the blog, now simply titled Skepchick, became the main site, as Skepchick Magazine was discontinued in July 2006. Fourteen other bloggers beside Rebecca Watson now contribute regularly, including one man.[12]

The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

Main article: The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe

Rebecca Watson's first appearance on The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast was on episode 33 (March 9, 2006), where she was interviewed about her work on Skepchick. She returned on episode 36 (March 29, 2006) as a regular member of the panel.[13]

The Public Radio Talent Quest

In May 2007, Rebecca Watson entered The Public Radio Talent Quest, a contest aimed to find new public radio hosts.[14] The contest claims to have received more than 1,400 entries.[15] Watson's entries won the popular vote in every round,[16] and she was declared one of three winners who each would receive $10,000 to produce a public radio pilot.[4]

Watson's pilot, Curiosity, Aroused,[17] was an hour-long program focused on science and skepticism.[4] It featured interviews with Richard Saunders of Australian Skeptics and Mystery Investigators, and Richard Wiseman, author of Quirkology and Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She also investigated claims of poisonous amounts of lead in lipstick, went on a ghost tour in Boston and visited a Psychic Fair.

Her show was the only one among the three winners not to receive funding by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for being turned into a one-year show.[18][19]

Speaking engagements

Watson was a guest speaker at the James Randi Educational Foundation's The Amaz!ng Meeting 5.5.[20] As well as lecturing on the topic "How to Get Off Your Lazy Can and Do Something", she took part in a panel discussion on podcasts and a Q&A panel.[21] At TAM 5 Watson presented a paper with the title "How to Be a C-List Internet Celebrity in Just 30 Days: Finding an Audience Online".[22]

At The New Humanism conference at Harvard April 21, 2007, Rebecca Watson was on a panel discussing "The Next Generation of Humanism".[23]

As a part of the New York City Skeptics' public lecture series Rebecca Watson spoke on "Women and Skepticism" February 16, 2008.[24]

Watson was also invited to London Skeptics in the Pub, UK to give a public lecture entitled "Women's Intuition and Other Fairytales" January 19, 2009.[25]

A speaker at Skepticon II and Skepticon III and will be featured again at Skepticon IV.[26]

Also spoke at Kritisk Masse, Norway October 30, 2010.[27]

Spoke at UCLA, May 13, 2011 in Royce Hall Room 164 at UCLA with a presentation entitled "The Religious Right vs. Every Woman on Earth" [28]

Asteroid

An outer main-belt asteroid discovered March 22, 2001 by David H. Healy was named 153289 Rebeccawatson.[29] The description states:

Rebecca Watson (b. 1980) of Brookline, Massachusetts, once a street juggler and magician, promotes science and rational thinking by means of radio broadcasts, podcasts and an internet blog.[29]

Elevator incident

In June 2011 Watson made statements in a video, concerning how a man in an elevator had made Watson feel uncomfortable by inviting her to his room for coffee and a conversation at 4 A.M.,[30] which she felt was an example of how she had been sexualized in the skeptical community.[31] This has sparked great controversy.[32] Many agreed with and supported Watson, whilst many criticized her, considering the accusation of sexualization, or even that he was hitting on her, unfounded and revealing a sexist view of men. This is strongly denied by Watson and her supporters. Many of her critics found her to be making a big deal out of a trivial incident, most notably Richard Dawkins, who satirically wrote from the perspective of a Muslim woman.[33] This caused him to be greatly criticized by Watson and those supporting her on the issue, including several famous figures in the community.[34][35] Watson announced that she would not buy or endorse Dawkins's books and lectures in the future.[34]

The several months long debate also included Watson and her friends attacking Dawkin's along the lines of privilege,[36] but also had some asking the question "do white females have more privilege to speak about these issues?" Some maintained that White Female Privilege was at the center of the debate [37], and many, if not all white females objected to their privilege being called by name.

See also

References

  1. ^ Simpson, Neal (2007). "Blogger looks to take her war on pseudoscience to the airwaves". Brookline TAB. Retrieved 2008-10-30. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ^ Mouallem, Omar (2008). "Making a Living of Bullshit Detecting". Vue Weekly (671). Retrieved 2008-10-30. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ "Public Radio Talent Quest". Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  4. ^ a b c Simon, Clea (2008). "Showing a talent for radio". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-10-30. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Skepchick Congrats Becca and Sid
  6. ^ Skepchick >> A Note About My Personal Life
  7. ^ Skepchick.org November 24, 2005 at the Internet Archive Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Skepchick.org December 23, 2005 at the Internet Archive Wayback Machine
  9. ^ "Skepchicks". Bad Astronomy. Retrieved 2010-01-22. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  10. ^ 2007 Skepchick & Skepdude Calendars The Skeptic Magazine blog's announcement
  11. ^ It’s snowing, so I started a blog. first skepchick blog post
  12. ^ Who's who on Skepchick
  13. ^ The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe episode archive
  14. ^ A very special audio blog posting. Vote for me! - blog post announcing her first entry in the PRTQ
  15. ^ Public Radio Talent Quest
  16. ^ Watson, Rebecca (2007-10-27). "PRX Announces Winners of Public Radio Talent Quest". PRX. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
  17. ^ Watson, Rebecca (2007-12-16). "Curiosity, Aroused: The Pilot". WordPress. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  18. ^ "Big News from PRX and CPB" (Press release). 2008-06-26. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  19. ^ Simon, Clea (2008). "At WCRB, it's a grand old tradition". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-10-30. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  20. ^ TAM 5.5 Speaker List
  21. ^ TAM 5.5 Schedule Of Events
  22. ^ TAM 5 Papers
  23. ^ "The New Humanism: The Next Generation". Secular Student Alliance. Retrieved 2009-12-04.
  24. ^ Public lecture Series: Rebecca Watson (with mp3 of the lecture)
  25. ^ Public lecture: Women's Intuition and Other Fairytales
  26. ^ Skepticon 3. "Speakers".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ "Kritisk masse".
  28. ^ Bruin Atheists. "Facebook".
  29. ^ a b 153289 Rebeccawatson at the JPL Small-Body Database Browser
  30. ^ Rebecca Watson (2011-06-20). About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes (YouTube). Event occurs at 4:55. Don't take this the wrong way, but I find you very interesting. And I would like to talk more, would you like to come to my hotel room for coffee?
  31. ^ Rebecca Watson (2011-06-20). About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes (YouTube). Event occurs at 5:36. ... it creeps me out and makes me uncomfortable when men sexualize me in that manner.
  32. ^ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576431943681248906.html
  33. ^ http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/07/always_name_names.php#comment-4295492
  34. ^ a b http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion
  35. ^ http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/07/richard-dawkins-draws-feminist-wrath-over-sexual-harassment-comments/39637/
  36. ^ http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2011/07/elevators_and_privilege_a_lett.php
  37. ^ http://scienceblogs.com/erv/2011/08/have_you_ever_met.php

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rebecca_Watson&oldid=446897521"