Scientific Achievement Pales in the Face of Political Correctness

We live in strange times indeed. This week the scientists at the European Space Agency were celebrating their achievement in landing the Philae robotic craft on Comet 67P. Lead scientist Dr Matt Taylor should have been enjoying his time in the spotlight but little did he realise that to many media outlets and commentators the important thing was not his amazing scientific triumph but the fact that he was wearing a shirt with images of women on it. The images weren't of naked women, just women with the sort of clothing that female rockstars and many other young women like to wear - sexy and somewhat revealing but hardly indecent.

Matt Taylor has nothing to apologise for. His shirt was a little tacky for my tastes but it was nothing any reasonable person should take offence over. This is just another example of the professional offence-takers in the cause of identity politics going overboard. At a time when entire cities of women are being raped and enslaved by Islamic militants in Iraq, and young girls are being forced to endure genital mutilation in the name of that religion (even in cities in the West), those who protest against Matt Taylor's shirt reveal themselves to be cowardly hypocrites. Matt Taylor was an easy target, who the offence-takers rightly assumed would back down and offer a tearful apology. Were the offence-takers to tackle the extreme misogynistic bile that spews from the mouths of imams in the mosques of their own cities, they know they risk getting their throats cut.

Matt Taylor is a scientific hero and should be lauded as one, whatever his sartorial inclinations. As for the offence-takers, they should grow a spine and take on those who really do intend offence to women.

Note: If you've been wondering why I haven't been very prolific in my postings recently, I had an accident on my motorbike a few weeks ago and have been recovering from a broken leg. It is frustrating having to get about on crutches but I am recovering speedily thanks to the marvellous skills of the medical professionals who have treated me and the amazing advances in orthopaedic surgery that mean I will be back on my feet within the next few weeks.