I join Stephen Black in his celebration of the extraordinary prowess of Gail Trimble on the BBC 2 "University Challenge" general (but often pretty specialist!) knowledge quiz. She was absolutely phenomenal. I would, however, raise a caveat about the following:
>And if the mere celebration of cerebrality in one so young is >too frivolous for you, contemplate the ugly sexism her skill >attracted as well. I'm not aware of such sexism in the published media. (I'm open to contradiction, but if there is any, I'm sure it's very much in a tiny minority compared with the acclaim she has received.) The despicable comments have been on some blogs. Anyone who regularly reads political blogs, as I do, will know that even on those that are reputable there are virtually always stupid, vicious and downright irrational postings. (And that doesn't include the ones that are censored, no doubt for very good reasons! On the Guardian online comments on articles they always indicate where postings have been removed by the comments editor.) That this has happened with Gail Trimble only shows what we already know, that out there in the great public arena there are people who hold all manner of Palaeolithic views, and many of them are only too keen to get them aired. The internet now gives them previously undreamed of opportunities. If you want more organised examples of just what kind of vileness there is out there in cyberspace, try searching for white supremacy material. It'll make your hair stand on end. I really do think the highlighting by the press of the viciousness against Ms Trimble in the blogosphere creates a misleading impression of its pervasiveness. Allen Esterson Former lecturer, Science Department Southwark College, London http://www.esterson.org --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
