Open Letter to the New York Times

[differenceblog]

To the Health editors of the New York Times:

I was extremely disappointed with Nicholas Wade's article "Pas de Deux of Sexuality Is Written in the Genes" (4/10/2007). While Mr. Wade was correct to reference Larry Cahill's excellent 2006 review, it seems as if Mr. Wade read only the abstract. Dr. Cahill is fairly clear in his review that while

Comments

[njyoder]

Where does Cahill's review say that it is not necessarily reflected in behavior? In the beginning he mentions brain chemistry differences. If you have a copy of the study, I'd be interested in reading it

[lz1982]

I *think* his thesis is that bisexuality as an orientation does not exist. Women have bisexual responses to photos, but since, according to him, women are not hard-wired for any sexual orientation, that doesn't mean they are bisexual.

[njyoder]

So he's suggesting that they start off attracted to neither and then inch toward attraction to just one sex?

[lz1982]

Or that they could eventually become bisexual, but it would not be an innate orientation. It would be due to events in their lives. (I think. I'm not too well-versed in this stuff).

[qu_is]

great letter. - and thanks for the quote above. I wish I had more time to look into it. But the discussion here has been interesting.

[missmimesis]

great letter; I hope they print it! And I'm thrilled to see this blog...I've long dreamed of creating a blog devoted to pointing out the flaws of all these goddamn studies on gender difference...but as a psychologist you're way better equipped to do so than I am as a literature person. I'm adding you to my friends list.

-Abigail
(repetitioncompulsion.blogspot.com)

[differenceblog]

Thanks!

[msmsgirl]

Hey, I'm friending you; I love this blog! Thanks for the comment -- your letter is way, way, way better than mine was, though. You start with a compliment, criticize the way they interpreted a not-evil researcher, and you're so unbelieveably measured and smart in your tone about Bailey. I hope they print it. looking forward to more linkings and take-downs --Christine.

[differenceblog]

Thank you!

[aesmael]

That letter is executed so calmly, you have won for yourself another reader.

[differenceblog]

aww, shucks *grins*

I was really sure I came off as some wall-chewing maniac in this (or maybe sounded like I was Bailey's ex or something equally sordid). I really appreciate the words of support here.