Made you look.
And it’s probably not what you were expecting.
A growing number of female scientists are responding to sexism via social media with the hashtag #distractinglysexy.
The campaign comes on the heels of some very backwards comments from a supposed forward-thinking biochemist. During a speaking engagement at the World Conference of Science in Seoul, South Korea, biochemist Tim Hunt said that scientists should work in gender-separated labs.
Seriously.
Actually, he said more than that. Apparently, the 72-year-old’s “trouble with girls” is broken down as such:
“Three things happen when they are in the lab…You fall in love with them, they fall in love with you and when you criticize them, they cry.”
It doesn’t take any type of scientist to guess that the remarks weren’t exactly well received. Hunt has since resigned from his position at the University College in London and apologized for what he thought were “light hearted ironic remarks.”
Still, the female scientists of the world are not letting Hunt off the hook for his clearly offside comments. They’ve decided to show Hunt – and the world – just how #distractinglysexy they are my posting shots of themselves on the job, accompanied by the hashtag and often a witty or snide comment.
They make jest of how distracting sexy they look when doing things like examining cow rectums, collecting cheetah crap, or covered in head-to-toe protective gear and filter masks.
Though some of the posts make jest of the whole “crying” part – one marine biologist posted a shot of her underwater, referencing the fact that “nobody can tell you’re crying under H20” – these smart, sassy scientists are doing just the opposite.
Though Hunt could probably actually use a tissue at the moment – kissing your credibility goodbye can get emotional.