Affirmative action and girls in tech and science
This week I had a discussion on Google+ about awards which focus on women. You know: Top Ten Ladies in Business or 40 Females Makin’ Shit Happen.
I’d been thinking about it because of a local technology association’s announcement of their Women of Innovation nominations for 2011.
I’m bothered by awards like this because they feel a little “separate but equal.” Other people feel ladies’ awards are necessary because of the sexism still left in the world.
I know there’s still sexism. There are still men who hoot at ladies on the street and yell vulgar things. There are still people who think women in certain jobs wouldn’t be able to hold their salt and would be more distraction than they’re worth. And I know that, most of all, there are lots and lots of people with very deeply ingrained subtle sexism.
And when I see awards that are just for women, I feel like I’m being forcibly helped across the street. I’m fine, hanging out there, totally handling the process of getting myself from one side of the street to the other, and then a very nice and will-meaning person grabs my arm to tell me when it’s time to go and guides me across the street and, when we’ve reached the other curb, pats my head and feels glad they could help.
My personal theory? Isms stop a lot faster if you stop feeding them.
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danielshipton liked this
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listofnow said:
Problem is, while you are crossing the road you are still being pushed out of the elevated, superefficient crosswalk that gets to the better jobs + best projects. Until there is room up there, the ism doesn’t get fought. so I don’t know the answer.
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catrocketship posted this
