We are being invited to be inspired by these women because they are “the all-star lineup of Blue Origin’s historic all-female space crew.” It is manufactured feminism and it makes me a little mad.
First, the word “crew” is generous. A flight crew is usually the personnel responsible for operating and managing an aircraft during a flight. The Blue Origin rocket that these gals will be on flies itself so they are passengers, not exactly a crew.
And we are told that they were chosen by Lauren Sanchez, the fiance of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, because “of their proven ability to inspire others.” Really?
CBS News anchor Gayle King has repeatedly said that she doesn’t want to go because she’s terrified so what inspiring message is that for us gals? Let other people pressure you into dangerous things?
This Elle profile of the flight really had me with this line: “Based on the statistics of women and space exploration, it’s evident the representation is needed. Not only has it been over 60 years since women (or technically just a woman) traveled to space without men, but women also only make up about 11 percent of those who’ve ventured into space in total.”
Why is this a problem exactly? And why are they treating this like such an accomplishment when all they are going to do is sit there? And why is this article so heavy on the hair and makeup tips? And also, do you need a bra in space?
