While your plebeian mind was occupied with inconsequential things–like Baltimore, the federal court’s NSA ruling, 2016, etc.–one brave Guardian contributor focused on the real question at hand for our society: “How can our future Mars colonies be free of sexism and racism?” Wake up, America: “The first woman to be raped in space has probably already been born.”
“We’re going to Mars – eventually,” he opens. He then rambles for a bit about how Americans’ longing to conquer space relates to the idea of “Manifest Destiny,” says some stuff about colonialism–and then somehow it becomes about sexism and racism.
If you think that attitude doesn’t exist in the real world, it’s worth recalling the comments of Prof Anatoly Grigoryev, a doctor and key figure in the Russian space programme. “Women are fragile and delicate creatures; that is why men should lead the way to distant planets and carry women there in their strong hands.”
He rails against “the most pernicious space myth in existence”: that “When we go into space, we will all magically become nice.” This, he laments, leaves “no room for discussion about social justice or equality when it comes to planning our future Mars colonies.”
Then comes the best part:
Go on–ask yourself!
You could read the whole thing, but I probably don’t recommend it.
