"Just because I am a girl why can't I become a scientist?" (legal, education)

[michiganmoon]

On NPR during some of their coverage of Earth Day a young girl said "Just because I am a girl why can't I become a scientist?"

I realize that there are sexist people, but do girls really think that in 2017 USA women "can't" become scientists? Yes, more men go into science, but women can and do go into science.

It seems like a lot of colleges and corporations want to offer them gender-based-scholarships or specifically hire women scientists.

It is not like we are one of the countries that actively excludes women legal access to college.

You Won't Believe How Many Countries Still Won't Allow Women The Right To Education

I worry that if this false notion that much of US society thinks "women can't become scientists" is widely perceived then it will in fact have negative impacts throughout society.

[Frank DeForrest]

I have no problem with women becoming scientists so long as they prove they can parallel park first.

[No_Recess]

The patriarchy has colluded with protons and neutrons to hold chicks down.

[NY_refugee87]

Did she get Adam and Atom confused?

[redwood66]

Her liberal mother told her to say that.

[MoonBeam33]

I think all the responses so far answer your question, OP.

[gwynedd1]

Since women are now the vast majority in college with the exception of stem, what the hell should men be doing?

[boxus]

She was coached to say that, as are many children.

I seriously doubt anyone told her she cannot be a scientist because she is a girl, only her parents filled her head with the "world is against you because of your sex" nonsense.

[saltine]

because sandwiches duh

[KonaldDuth]

NPR = Fake News