Joan Roughgarden has responded to my comment about her recent KQED radio appearance. Her response includes this:
Today, in 2007 only a few, like Roberts, still take Bailey’s work seriously.
In 2006, Bailey’s work was featured on 60 Minutes in a piece titled “The Science of Sexual Orientation.” After the piece aired, a blogger criticized Bailey. Shari Finkelstein, the producer, responded:
His work is highly regarded by all of the researchers in the field who we spoke with.
What a difference a year makes, if Roughgarden is correct.
I like how you just sort of glazed over everything she did when talking about how small Blanchard’s study was, and the fact that no tests of significance have ever been done on the results. How can you avoid that? How as a scientist can you say that not having a test of significance isn’t a lacking part of the studies?
I’ve yet to find a psychologist who agrees with Bailey/Blanchard and I’ve been going to various doctors for my entire life, I’ve now seen several in my new area (Seattle). None so far has agreed with his work, and most actually LAUGH at his name, especially because of his gay straight or lying study, because he continues to use a penile plesmograph which is fairly disliked as a study tool
Has anyone supported you Seth? You haven’t posted anyone saying anything positive about your stance on Bailey, none at all. Shouldn’t that tell you anything?
My concern is not whether Blanchard is right or wrong; it was what happened to Bailey after his book was published. if Roughgarden justifies trying to ruin Bailey’s life because Blanchard didn’t do statistical tests, that needs no answer. She continues to act as if a trade book is a research monograph — really, no comment is needed.
Yes, several people have supported me. For example, “Great reply, Seth. To the heart of the matter, sincerely, and well said” (via comments). And: “I think you’re seeing this situation precisely as it truly is. It has been a horrible example of injustice and attack on scientists for simply telling the truth, and I’m glad you’re speaking out (and that people are listening to you)” (via email). Even McCloskey seems to think that not all I have written is nonsense, as I hope to show in an upcoming post.
Bailey ruined my life, albeit indirectly.
I feel no remorse if his is ruined too, maybe I’m just cruel, but I have my reasons.
My parents disowned and kicked me out of the house after the read his book, calling me a sexual deviant and a pervert. I have no family due in part because of the man’s writing. I was homeless for a month as a result until I found a new family to replace them.