Science: It’s a girl thing?

I’m a scientist, a recent PhD who works in an academic biomedical research lab. In fact, I just got back from a discussion with other women, also scientists, in which we lamented that, although things have gotten better with regards to the old boys’club that has characterized academic research for too long, we still have a long way to go. Videos like the travesty that is linked above do nothing but reinforce the stereotypes that women are too girly and too inclined to rely on ‘feminine wiles’ to get ahead. Please. We already have to work harder than men to get respect and recognition. I already hear the snide and often derogatory comments about women in academic departments. I’ve had to develop a thick skin and learn to turn a deaf ear; I don’t also want to have to put away my pretty clothing and eyeliner to have my work taken seriously, thanks to garbage like this. Governments and councils: you want to encourage more girls to become scientists? Maybe try developing and supporting environments in which they don’t feel as if the deck is stacked against them before they even get started. This isn’t the way to do that. Fail.