If 1) is true then taking a stand on 2) and 3) is pointless at best and callous at worst.
Like you said, the joke works equally well with the genders reversed to remove the possibility of misinterpretation.
I understand, however, I feel that the critique of this meme is an overreach and, frankly, misdirected. By focusing on this as a problem, we risk diverting attention from the real, substantive issues that need our energy and advocacy. It’s important to pick our battles wisely and concentrate on fighting blatant sexism and inequality, rather than reading into harmless humor. We do a disservice to the cause by attacking allies over perceived slights that, in reality, are neutral and unrelated to the broader struggles women face in STEM. Regardless of who is in this meme, it does not effect my position as a woman in STEM in any way.
I’m not trying to attack you or anything. I’m not calling you a sexist and throughout this whole interaction I’ve given you maximal benefit of the doubt about your intentions.
All I wanted to do is point out that this meme could be read to have an unintended negative meaning, a point which I don’t think you’ve even disagreed with.
If a big part of why this meme is okay to you is the fact that you’re a woman in STEM them at least men should be aware that it might be interpreted differently if they share it or spread it around. It is, after all, a meme.
