U-M emeritus professor's Valentine's Day editorial sparks complaints of sexism
An emeritus professor in the University of Michigan Medical School has been asked to step down from his position as editor in chief of the newspaper of the American College of Surgeons after writing a controversial editorial, the New York Times reports.
The Valentine's Day editorial by Dr. Lazar J. Greenfield extols the mood-enhancing effects of semen on women and concludes, “so there’s a deeper bond between men and women than St. Valentine would have suspected, and now we know there’s a better gift for that day than chocolates.”
Following complaints of sexism, the editorial was retracted and taken off the web site of Surgery News, the official newspaper of the American College of Surgeons, The Times reported. Lazar is also the president-elect of the organization.
Comments
Thomas
Mon, Apr 18, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
I clicked on the editorial link expecting to be floored and disgusted. When I read it, I was entirely amused and thinking that I'd be depressed if I were abstinent as well. I think it was the last sentence that got him into trouble. The rest of it just seems edgy and therefore just fine.
nemo
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 4:58 p.m.
Would this even be an issue if he had written "pheromones" instead of "semen"?
Linda Peck
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.
It has taken me a couple of days to respond, but this guy has it correct. I know this from experience. I think many women know it and will not say so. My brother put it this way and I like it: "The chemistry of life – especially human life – is so incomprehensibly magnificent, it is like trying to imagine the breadth and depth of the universe. Why wouldn't God make semen useful for something other than a swimming pool for sperm? He gets a lot of mileage out of everything else He does." - Craig Ellis
zeeba
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
God forbid that anyone should suggest that sex is something that both men and women enjoy. Even worse is to make light of it, as if it were eating, work, parenting, friendships, paying bills or any other part of the human condition, rather than as fodder for grim analysis of gender-based power relationships and a tool for the oppression of womyn created by a patriarchical God.
Dog Guy
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
Is Dr. Greenfield's editorial demeaning? Has anyone polled Catholic nuns?
Dave Katz
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.
How dare he opinionate in an editorial on Valentines Day when this piece clearly could have waited until April 1. Is a trusted member of the intellectual rubber-stamp legion smuggling arms to the Resistance? This level of clandestine skulduggery hasn't been witnessed since the Manhattan Project. Perhaps when the bottom doors open this time the cargo will have more personal nicknames like Justin Bieber and Rush Limbaugh. Research: homophobia, B-29, Albert Einstein, George Strait.
braggslaw
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 11:24 a.m.
ok....what a waste of time for all involved
Rusnak
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 11:17 a.m.
The Detroit Free Press has excerpts from the study. I don't see what the big deal is, it's an opinion take it or, leave it.
A2lover
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 10:56 a.m.
Typical, over-sensitive America! It was an attempt at humor! Not the best attempt, certainly, but it's not sexist, derogatory, racist or obnoxious. I'd be curious to know if there was more sex performed on St. Valentines Day than boxes of chocolates sold, then his theory would be proved right. Of course, a box of chocolates could lead to sex, which means everyone gets the best of both worlds.
kilalqaeda
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 2:13 a.m.
Of course it helps women, it relieves tension. I have a Navy Seaman too and he helps me out a lot as well. Why should this Dr. lose his job over this.
Tom Joad
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 11:51 p.m.
a zealous defender of itself, wiping out competing swimmers, acrosome in full flourish, breaking down barriers, achieving its goal
DBH
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 11:08 p.m.
You can decide for yourself by reading the original article. I think this is the one being discussed: <a href="http://www.springerlink.com/content/wrkl9lc5ueu43rh8/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.springerlink.com/content/wrkl9lc5ueu43rh8/</a> . Unfortunately, it will cost you $34 to access the whole article. Alternatively, you likely could find it at a Medical Library in the stacks. Another option is to read one person's analysis of it at <a href="http://scientopia.org/blogs/scicurious/2009/03/06/friday-weird-science-feeling-down-have-you-tried-semen/" rel='nofollow'>http://scientopia.org/blogs/scicurious/2009/03/06/friday-weird-science-feeling-down-have-you-tried-semen/</a> . From the little I read of the article (I did not read the original), the "study" seems clearly flawed. The conclusion might be true, but I do not think that can be determined by this particular study. If I am correct about the study in question, it is from 2002; I am not sure why it is being resurrected at this point.
Ellen
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 11:38 p.m.
". If I am correct about the study in question, it is from 2002; I am not sure why it is being resurrected at this point." Probably cuz the good doctor wanted to get him some on Valentine's day!
xmo
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
After reading the New York Times article, I wonder does semen help depressed women or not? Dr. Greenfield says it does and a women Doctor says""I've gone back and reviewed the science, and it's erroneous," she said. So does it or doesn't it? If its wrong he should resign but if not she needs to resign the profession.
Roadman
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 10:11 p.m.
Sexist? Heh. The doctor told it the way it is. With a genorous twist of humor.