That “male privilege checklist” strikes me on a deep level! I have a wonderful husband who is supportive of my career and helpful around the house. I know when we have children, he will be an ever-present part of their daily lives. And yet, those around us sometimes seem to feel that he should be rewarded for what I feel are basic expectations in an egalitarian relationship. For example, I have been questioned (a) why I am taking so long to have kids, (b) whether he is going to move with me when I go to my next job, and (c) how I managed to land such a “catch” who can cook and clean. No one would ever ask him these things about me! The good part is, he is just as frustrated as I am when I tell him these stories and fully acknowledges his privilege in these scenarios.

I agree with most the listed items in your blog. However, the last point you mentioned “women are often questioned and criticized for choosing to keep their own last names”, in my opinion depends on the culture. In my country, while a woman being called selfish for choosing to work rather than staying home, women in general, keep their own last name when they get married and it is very normal and nobody expects them to change their last name.

As you said, in my country, Iran, also education is very competitive. Parents put a lot of pressure on their kids. In particular, at the high school level, since we do also have a national exam to enter into college.

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“Six Ways to Make People Like You” really could be called “Six Ways to Communicate Science.” Listening is so important!

I have to help some undergraduate researchers this summer with a session on “successful posters.” Would you like to help and bring your poster along? It’s just a one-hour session, during which they learn the essentials of poster making.

Good story! What an adventure. But you survived, succeeded, and learned a lot!

Very thoughtful comments on the Time Travel game. And good luck with your GSA symposium presentation!

I was not familiar with this code of ethics, but I thought your point about the political situation today was interesting. Students should be able to access all kinds of information and should be able to make all arguments so long as they logically support their claims and treat members of the class with respect. According to the code, we are also called to provide a positive environment for all students and to address discrimination when it arises. This can at times be a difficult line to walk especially given the heated political landscape.