Comment o' the Week

First, an introduction to our newest contributor, Le Loup-garou. The amazing Loup has already earned one Ph.D. for her work in biomedical research, and is now nearing completion of a M.D. as well. So, if your forget her fancy French handle, Dr. Doctor will suffice. Loup is a talented seamstress, a dangerous poker player, and an avid consumer of popular culture. We are very lucky to have her on board.

Second, a brief explanation of our newest segment, Comment o' the Week, which was lifted from inspired by the brilliant writers of Skepchick. At its heart, Comment o' the Week is both a greatful admission that a lot of the 'good stuff' you find here at The Feminist Underground actually comes from our readers, and a Machiavellian ploy to get more lurkers to show themselves. As for the mechanics of Comment o' the Week, you can read more about them here.

And finally... the moment you've all been waiting for ... the Comment o' the Week goes to... Petunia101! In response to the closing question of Loup's first post, "What advice have you gotten, good or bad, for being a professional woman?," Petunia101 responds:

I tell women that there is strong data showing that women and men undervalue women's professional achievement and overvalue men's professional achievement. The good news from this is that women who persist in a non traditional profession are likely much more qualified than they or their peers and bosses think they are. So, keep your chin up, you are good at your job.

I love this comment because it concisely expresses many of the complex issues that face women, giving me the opportunity to expound at length on what Petunia101 packs neatly into two sentences. First, there is an acknowledgment that we live in a sexist society. Then, the admission that men and women alike internalize the sexist attitudes that surround them, and consequently judge women unfairly. Finally, a statement of encouragement and solidarity.

Congratulations, Petunia101, your eloquence has won you a place on our short-list of potential Obama VP picks! Happy Friday and Happy Fourth of July, everybody!