Shots In The Dark

The Crimson reports on a remarkable meeting last Friday between Larry Summers and Harvard parents. Summers began by making a joke about his reputation for being provocative. But the question-and-answer session later got hot, as parents pressed Summers on his remarks about women in science. Here's the key exchange, as reported by Zachary M. Seward:

<<“You should know that there are a large number of parents who are glad that you are here to bring a degree of non-emotional common sense to the University,” said one father to broad but reserved applause.

“And there are a lot who think you’re a jerk,” called out another dad from the rear of Sanders Theater, drawing scattered applause but mostly silence from the crowd.>>

Summers reportedly looked shaken by the incident. My first reaction to that is, Who wouldn't be? But on second thought, it makes me think that the Harvard president may still not realize just how much his comments angered some listeners. Maybe that's something you have to feel...emotionally.