Role models: inspiration or anathema?
Ruth Wilson
Saturday, 25 April 2009 08:08 UTC
At our national conference last month we gave everyone a hand-held voting device. Someone put up the question ‘Do you think we run the risk of role models being too elite and high-powered to be truly inspirational?’ and this is how the voting went (about 240 people):
Yes: 60%
No: 40%
So I wondered, do NN members/readers agree? Who is your role model? Or are you role-model-free? Do role models have to be high-achievers? What’s best – someone remote (perhaps unaware you exist) or someone close to home (or work)? Can a bad role model be a good thing? Do we need more women role models in science, engineering, technology? Who do you suggest?
(Since the vote, I’ve heard Germaine Greer on Radio 4 say role models prevent originality. She said she has gone out of her way to not be a role model.)
(More on our conference)
Updated 25 April 2009 19:28 UTC
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An event on role models – run by the Dept for Business, Innovation and Skills, on 7th September at 6pm.
They’ll be linking a real life event in Guildford (Austin Pearce Building) to a Second Life event and discussing
science, engineering and technology role models and their value.I hope some of UKRC’s recent, colourful photos of women role models will be on display in the second nature venue they’re using.
You don’t have to be a Second Life expert, and registration is free.
You can find more information on the event, and register for either the Second Life or Guildford locations (or both if you’re a technical whizz) on the BIS eventbrite site at http://bissecondlife.eventbrite.com/ -
Hi – I am compiling a book of fictional female role models and would be interested to hear from any of you scientists about your role models (and anti-role models) in novels, films, comics, video games and any other media.
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