Submission + - Are we too quick to act on social media outrage ?
RedK writes: Connie St-Louis, on June 8th, reported on apparently sexist remarks made by Sir Tim Hunt, a nobel prize winning scientist, during an event organised for women in sciences. This lead to the man's dismissal from his stations, all in such urgency that he did not even have time to present his side, nor was his side ever offered any weight. A leaked report a few days later suggest that the remarks were taken out of context. Further digging shows that the accuser has distorted the truth in many cases it seems. Should we stop reacting as viciously and rapidely to every social media outrage, give the right of reply to the accused and consider their testimony as much as we do that of the accusers ? This is not the first time that people may have jumped the gun too soon on petty issues and ruined great events or careers.
