Sexism in Technology

Medusa · 12-14-2009, 11:43 PM

I was having a discussion the other night with a geeky friend and recalled various themes of sexism I have encountered at different levels of technology.

One good example of this is that I am a member of several other forums, several of which have nothing to do with gender, Queer, etc. On one of these forums I chose a screen name that is gender-neutral. I have posted on those forums for several months, having conversations on various topics, talking about my likes and dislikes. A few weeks ago, I became involved in a rather heated conversation with another woman. After several heated exchanges, several folks started coming into the thread telling me that I "ought to be ashamed of myself" for speaking to a woman that way and that I was NOT a gentleman. I was puzzled. Most of the people who made these statements were folks I had interacted with several times. After private messaging with a few of them, I was told that most everyone on the site had assumed I was a man because of my "stern way of communicating and articulation around topics that mostly men are concerned with" (like politics??? seriously??)

This wasnt the first time this had happened to me - that people had assumed I was a man by my written communication style. That, because I am a woman, they expected me to communicate online in a certain way?

Anyone else have this happen? Any Trans Males notice a difference in communications online since transitioning? Any Butches who have noticed this?

Some other issues that might be relevant to sexism in technology:

* The notoriously sexist advertising for GoDaddy.com
* Sexist hiring practices in the tech field?

Let's talk!

Waldo · 12-14-2009, 11:59 PM

Oh girl... don't even get me started with the Godaddy BS.

As you know I work in the domain name space. I run a domain name company. I deal with it online and in person All. The. Time.

I'm a member at several domain related forums under my real name and just a couple of months ago someone recommended a poster reach out to "Kellie at Name.com, she's awesome and will help you out in a snap". That poster was promptly "corrected" and told that Kellie was a man. Sigh.

I get it on another forum on a much more regular basis and you guessed it - I have a gender neutral user name. Even though I have "female-ish" listed as my gender. Seems communication styles do, indeed, play a major role in gender identification online.

Medusa · 12-15-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldo

Oh girl... don't even get me started with the Godaddy BS.

As you know I work in the domain name space. I run a domain name company. I deal with it online and in person All. The. Time.

I'm a member at several domain related forums under my real name and just a couple of months ago someone recommended a poster reach out to "Kellie at Name.com, she's awesome and will help you out in a snap". That poster was promptly "corrected" and told that Kellie was a man. Sigh.

I get it on another forum on a much more regular basis and you guessed it - I have a gender neutral user name. Even though I have "female-ish" listed as my gender. Seems communication styles do, indeed, play a major role in gender identification online.

YAY! I was hoping you would chime in!

I was wondering, Kellie, do you ever talk to someone on the phone with your job and when they meet you in person, they have a noticeable reaction to the fact that you arent in a skirt and heels?

Selenay · 12-15-2009, 12:08 AM

Let's talk about advertisements.

Both women look, um, real happy to be there, huh?

The woman in the first looks visibly distressed and the second, well..
Not really sure what that's selling.

Or even better, this one

Because women without minds, thoughts or actions of their own is really what I want!

I could go On And On but I'll pause here and come back when I'm less scattered

Medusa · 12-15-2009, 12:11 AM

BRILLIANT examples!

The first two are particularly violent. Im going to look for an ad that I remember seeing several years back to add to the collection.

Keep them coming, Selly!

Selenay · 12-15-2009, 12:13 AM

And while I'm on the subject...

Let's talk about science. When you google image "scientist" this is the first image of an actual (not cartoon, not VI) man

This is the first woman:

This is the first male computer geek alone (the second image on the page, the first being a cartoon rendering):

This is the first image that comes up for a woman alone under the same search:

Medusa · 12-15-2009, 12:13 AM

Or this one from Dell:

I can hear the ad exec meetings now:

Ad exec 1: "I cant think of any good ideas to sell this computer!"

Ad exec 2: "Just stick a pretty woman on it!"

Selenay · 12-15-2009, 12:21 AM

SassyLeo · 12-15-2009, 12:25 AM

Interesting topic. Good idea.

I'll first say, I am by no means an Engineer or DBA or Sys Admin.

But there is a small part of me which is technically savvy enough to hook up tech stuff/audio equipment/internet in my apt. Purchase and install memory in my own and others' laptops, repair/install the wifi at my mom's house while on vacation over Thanksgiving. Do some mild database work and create graphics/collateral for my job. General easy tech-y stuff.

AND (the big AND) I sometimes think they are surprised that I can. Not my family, per se, but work folks. I am sure some of it is because IT is typically a male dominated profession, but it used to piss me off that there was this perception that because I am a woman and not in an IT role, that I would be incapable of doing ANYTHING technical. The assumptions are frustrating. However, now that they have learned I can figure stuff out, folks in my dept generally call me to fix their computer issues before calling tech support. 9/10 of the time, I can do it.

And it doesn't help that we have people in much higher roles than mine, like the Controller...who can barely even use Excel. Not helping the stereotype, in my opinion. However, I guess I should be grateful the Controller is a woman

Medusa · 12-15-2009, 12:37 AM

And I cant tell you how many times I have heard that I "hired PapaChris or Linus to build this site"

(but that might be because people think Im stupid, not a woman)

Selenay · 12-15-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

And I cant tell you how many times I have heard that I "hired PapaChris or Linus to build this site"

(but that might be because people think Im stupid, not a woman)

actually it's cuz you're from ar-kansas.

WILDCAT · 12-15-2009, 01:58 AM

Although this is "hardly" my area of expertise...

I will say the same theme, through administration in time, big corporations of any product, and now into the very technical fields there always appears to remain the toughest challange for women to prove themselves. Any field, it seems - where "advancement" may be giving credit to women...(?)

Hell, only fifty years ago - most women were still expected to just be housewives.

The tit mousepads... a bit offensive. I'm sure there are "other kinds" as well... (No thanks.)

And Medusa, you're an assertive women. Powerful women are unfortunately [still at times] considered only aggressive bitches - but, when it's a man in the same exact work situation EVEN being "aggressive" then (!), "he's one hell of a good strong intelligent employee/leader" in his field (heck, in this world).

That's the way I see it anyway - in a very generalized way. (I think Japan is better now in the technical field for sharing credit with women - I could be mistaken though.) We might be giving more now to women in the medical fields with technical advancements though... (?) I have a relative who recently began a field in cancer research.

The advertisements here are atrocious. (Frightening actually.)

My sister works for Intel. I'll have to get a quick opinion sex ratio from her (then their stats), for the higher paid positions. But, you're also talking about attitudes. Stat that (?) At least I know where she is they are a bit progressive with regards towards gay employees. Well, gay men, I'm not sure if it's equal in attitude with gay women. I'm not sure about transsexuals. I will "dig" around a bit with her.

How did you feel being referred to or assumed a gentleman [not?] Medusa?

WILD

Just my wooden nickel's worth anyway for a good thread start. Good luck.

Linus · 12-15-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WILDCAT

My sister works for Intel. I'll have to get a quick opinion sex ratio from her (then their stats), for the higher paid positions. But, you're also talking about attitudes. Stat that (?) At least I know where she is they are a bit progressive with regards towards gay employees. Well, gay men, I'm not sure if it's equal in attitude with gay women. I'm not sure about transsexuals. I will "dig" around a bit with her.

WILD

Just my wooden nickel's worth anyway for a good thread start. Good luck.

I can bet, as I work with a large corporation that is up-and-coming in the software world, the higher Board of Director positions will be rarely women. Women in IT aren't really known. In fact, can you name any? You can name Bill Gates, Woz, Jobs, Torvalds but do you know of Ada Lovelace (first programmer), Grace Hopper (created COBOL language that's used in the majority of banks and other large institutions as the main language; this was also the language that caused all that stir about Y2K), Susan Kare (did all those graphics for icons and such on the Apple when it first appeared), Sally Floyd (worked on TCP, part of the protocols that built the internet) and so on.. Heck, there was Carly Fiorina, CEO of HP who walked out when she fought with the board and even my own company's first CEO, Diane Green, who also left after differences of opinion.

When I was an instructor at a private IT school, the majority of networking admin types (non-programmers) were guys. Very few women went through the course (odd since network admin requires more human contact and socialization if we're to look at gender roles and how communications are done) while programming (often a solitary job) was nearly or over 50% women.

Although IT tries to come across as being whacky and unique and not necessarily caring about gender, the reality is true. We expect IT support, admins and engineers to be men. We expect answers from men and the image of a geek is either the nerdy Matthew Broderick (see Wargames) or, if a woman, it's Angelina Jolie (Hackers). It's interesting that Sandra Bullock's character from The Net isn't something that comes to mind for people when thinking about women in science.

It's interesting that Google came up with those images as it's contrary to what I envisioned. When I think of scientist my first thought is an older woman in a lab coat. Bing's search results were similar but their first female images are better than the ones listed here. I know that there are (were?) programs in place to encourage women into math and sciences more but those programs don't seem as prominent as they used to be. Are they still in place?

Selenay · 12-15-2009, 10:30 AM

Currently, 15 FORTUNE 500 companies are run by women, and a total of 28 FORTUNE 1000 companies have women in the top job.

Of these, the highest ranking woman places 27th in the list.

When one looks at computer science in particular, however, the proportion of women has been falling. In 2001-2, only 28 percent of all undergraduate degrees in computer science went to women. By 2004-5, the number had declined to only 22 percent. Data collected by the Computing Research Association showed even fewer women at research universities like M.I.T.: women accounted for only 12 percent of undergraduate degrees in computer science and engineering in the United States and Canada granted in 2006-7 by Ph.D.-granting institutions, down from 19 percent in 2001-2. Many computer science departments report that women now make up less than 10 percent of the newest undergraduates.

I would go on but I gots thangz. Maybe later.

Sources:
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortu...009/womenceos/
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/business/16digi.html

NotAnAverageGuy · 12-15-2009, 10:40 AM

I guess I am rather odd when it comes to sexism, I personally do not see anything wrong with the ads for things, sex sells for alot of products and it works, people gobble up certain products simply because of what the ad has displayed.

But what about the male underwear models? Isn't that sexism too?

I don't partake in technology so I am not much for conversation when it comes to that topic but I put my 2 cents in when I have an opinion.

Bootboi · 12-15-2009, 10:49 AM

I think its very true that there is alot of sexism within IT. I can recount many past and current experiences with sexism.

I am an IT exec for a fortune 500 company here in Minneapolis. I will also say that I am 1 of 2 women that are at exec management level. The other 14 are male. To get to this level has been nothing short of sheer bullheaded perseverance and a strong passion for what I do for a living.

Ive been discriminated against when applying for hire level jobs. Ive had a man win a position when he clearly did not have the qualifications to do so. I've also been called sir many times on the phone, undoubtedly because I have a very deep voice for a female. (not trans gender btw just good ol butch) Even though I did answer the phone and gave them a clearly frilly feminine name. (ahh the perils of a butch being named a foo foo girly name )

When I moved on to my current employment it was really refreshing to feel that higher level positions were awarded on merit and accomplishments. It makes you feel like you have your feet well planted.

Historically, IT has been a male predominant field but as time progress's its not an all male environment anymore. Like any sterotyping cultures there has to be a starting point to breaking that proverbial glass ceiling. Breaking it comes with its ups and downs but the point is to keep pushing so we educate others into taking thier sexist blinders off and stop being ignorant.

The most technically savvy people Ive worked with in the past 15yrs have been women. Interestingly enough I will also say its been my experience that women tend to take a more holistic approach to IT than most males do. Go figue huh?

Anyhow, while it can really get on a persons nerves to be equivilated as being male because you possess technical knowledge. I think we need to keep in mind we are educating the ignorant.

If all else fails "Claw their eyes out" HA!

Selenay · 12-15-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotAnAverageGuy

But what about the male underwear models? Isn't that sexism too?

I don't partake in technology so I am not much for conversation when it comes to that topic but I put my 2 cents in when I have an opinion.

How can you POSSIBLY see male underwear models as being on the same PLANET as a woman on satin sheets in underwear with a BULLET IN HER HEAD selling a VIDEO GAME?

You're on a computer which automatically puts you in a category in which you use technology.

Good Lord I don't even know what else to say.

Andrew, Jr. · 12-15-2009, 10:52 AM

For Medusa

I just don't get sexism no matter what field. Look at medicine. Who would have ever imagined male nurses, and female doctors?

For me, I have more genetically male disorders. When I was being tested by a woman, by law, she had to confer with another doctor. The two were quite shocked at the results. They went to a 3rd doctor. Same response. 2 women, 1 man, but the same results.

Basic essentials of running a website I know that Dusa and Jack did great. I am sure Linus helped out with the smilies & Papa Chris did whatever. But that is just a small fraction of what is involved in something this huge. In the end, the full credit goes to Dusa and Jack. They are the ones who keep this site up and running all hours of the day and night. They are the ones who need full credit of our new home. For me, it makes no difference if someone is male or female id'ed. All that matters is that we are here together as a family. So, my hat is off to Medusa and Jack.

Medusa, do not ever let anyone tell you that you did nothing because you are a female. You do more than you will ever know. I have the utmost respect for you, and always have. You just hold your head high, and know that alot of us are so proud of you and your accomplishments.

NotAnAverageGuy · 12-15-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Selenay

How can you POSSIBLY see male underwear models as being on the same PLANET as a woman on satin sheets in underwear with a BULLET IN HER HEAD selling a VIDEO GAME?

You're on a computer which automatically puts you in a category in which you use technology.

Good Lord I don't even know what else to say.

Use of a computer is technology but if you are talking about IT fields, etc I have no knowledge.

But I see anything that is sexual in any nature such as underwear models, the pics you posted on here, etc as sexism of both genders. But thats just my opinion.

PapaC · 12-15-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

And I cant tell you how many times I have heard that I "hired PapaChris or Linus to build this site"

(but that might be because people think Im stupid, not a woman)

I heard someone call my name.

whatever improvements there might have been in the last 20 years in Technology, is still not enough. IT is predominately dominated by men, and I'd personally be lying if I said that I wasn't aware of it on a cellular level when I stepped further into this career path (of sorts).

Even though, most of my bosses and clients and co-workers (like my ex gf) are women, and I've got some amazing work history with some pretty smart IT women (they're like blow your fuckin' minds smart), the image is still male, the brute force of numbers of geek still reads MALE, the only real advance I'm seeing is Marketing (how ironic). The marketing people have figured out that women have similar levels of interest in goods and services related to IT.

But sorry, do I believe that sexism is improving in IT?

Would you like to know how fuckin happy I'll be if I ever work on internet phone support again, that I *won't* be asked on a date or offered flowers or ask if I'm married or have a boyfriend?

:glare:

Thanks Selly, really,.... pointing me to this thread didn't give me happy joy joy feelings

(but you knew that didn't you).

12-14-2009, 11:43 PM	#1
Medusa Mentally Delicious How Do You Identify?: Queer High Femme, thank you very much Preferred Pronoun?: Mme. Relationship Status: Married to JD. Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 10,446 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,995 Thanked 42,871 Times in 7,835 Posts Rep Power: 21474861	Sexism in Technology I was having a discussion the other night with a geeky friend and recalled various themes of sexism I have encountered at different levels of technology. One good example of this is that I am a member of several other forums, several of which have nothing to do with gender, Queer, etc. On one of these forums I chose a screen name that is gender-neutral. I have posted on those forums for several months, having conversations on various topics, talking about my likes and dislikes. A few weeks ago, I became involved in a rather heated conversation with another woman. After several heated exchanges, several folks started coming into the thread telling me that I "ought to be ashamed of myself" for speaking to a woman that way and that I was NOT a gentleman. I was puzzled. Most of the people who made these statements were folks I had interacted with several times. After private messaging with a few of them, I was told that most everyone on the site had assumed I was a man because of my "stern way of communicating and articulation around topics that mostly men are concerned with" (like politics??? seriously??) This wasnt the first time this had happened to me - that people had assumed I was a man by my written communication style. That, because I am a woman, they expected me to communicate online in a certain way? Anyone else have this happen? Any Trans Males notice a difference in communications online since transitioning? Any Butches who have noticed this? Some other issues that might be relevant to sexism in technology: * The notoriously sexist advertising for GoDaddy.com * Sexist hiring practices in the tech field? Let's talk!

12-14-2009, 11:59 PM	#2
Waldo Member How Do You Identify?: Special Snowflake Preferred Pronoun?: she/her Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Wine Country, Oregon Posts: 470 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 22 Thanked 795 Times in 238 Posts Rep Power: 1006287	Oh girl... don't even get me started with the Godaddy BS. As you know I work in the domain name space. I run a domain name company. I deal with it online and in person All. The. Time. I'm a member at several domain related forums under my real name and just a couple of months ago someone recommended a poster reach out to "Kellie at Name.com, she's awesome and will help you out in a snap". That poster was promptly "corrected" and told that Kellie was a man. Sigh. I get it on another forum on a much more regular basis and you guessed it - I have a gender neutral user name. Even though I have "female-ish" listed as my gender. Seems communication styles do, indeed, play a major role in gender identification online. __________________ Perved lately? \| My website \| NEW: lez.org

12-15-2009, 12:08 AM	#4
Selenay Member How Do You Identify?: A soul for a compass and a heart for a pair of wings. Preferred Pronoun?: All I ask of living is to have no chains on me. Relationship Status: All I own are the strides I spend to the finish line. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Somewhere in between here and gone. Posts: 662 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 110 Thanked 1,450 Times in 370 Posts Rep Power: 6344714	Oh Seriously I LOVE This Shit Let's talk about advertisements. Both women look, um, real happy to be there, huh? The woman in the first looks visibly distressed and the second, well.. Not really sure what that's selling. Or even better, this one Because women without minds, thoughts or actions of their own is really what I want! I could go On And On but I'll pause here and come back when I'm less scattered __________________ Two or three things I know for sure, And one is that I would rather go naked Than wear the coat the world has made for me.

12-15-2009, 12:13 AM	#6
Selenay Member How Do You Identify?: A soul for a compass and a heart for a pair of wings. Preferred Pronoun?: All I ask of living is to have no chains on me. Relationship Status: All I own are the strides I spend to the finish line. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Somewhere in between here and gone. Posts: 662 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 110 Thanked 1,450 Times in 370 Posts Rep Power: 6344714	And while I'm on the subject... Let's talk about science. When you google image "scientist" this is the first image of an actual (not cartoon, not VI) man This is the first woman: This is the first male computer geek alone (the second image on the page, the first being a cartoon rendering): This is the first image that comes up for a woman alone under the same search: __________________ Two or three things I know for sure, And one is that I would rather go naked Than wear the coat the world has made for me.

12-15-2009, 12:21 AM	#8
Selenay Member How Do You Identify?: A soul for a compass and a heart for a pair of wings. Preferred Pronoun?: All I ask of living is to have no chains on me. Relationship Status: All I own are the strides I spend to the finish line. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Somewhere in between here and gone. Posts: 662 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 110 Thanked 1,450 Times in 370 Posts Rep Power: 6344714	__________________ Two or three things I know for sure, And one is that I would rather go naked Than wear the coat the world has made for me.

12-15-2009, 12:11 AM	#5
Medusa Mentally Delicious How Do You Identify?: Queer High Femme, thank you very much Preferred Pronoun?: Mme. Relationship Status: Married to JD. Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 10,446 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,995 Thanked 42,871 Times in 7,835 Posts Rep Power: 21474861	BRILLIANT examples! The first two are particularly violent. Im going to look for an ad that I remember seeing several years back to add to the collection. Keep them coming, Selly!

12-15-2009, 12:13 AM	#7
Medusa Mentally Delicious How Do You Identify?: Queer High Femme, thank you very much Preferred Pronoun?: Mme. Relationship Status: Married to JD. Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 10,446 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,995 Thanked 42,871 Times in 7,835 Posts Rep Power: 21474861	Or this one from Dell: I can hear the ad exec meetings now: Ad exec 1: "I cant think of any good ideas to sell this computer!" Ad exec 2: "Just stick a pretty woman on it!"

12-15-2009, 12:25 AM	#9
SassyLeo Is Grateful How Do You Identify?: Queer Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Engaged Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The PDX Posts: 1,526 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 846 Thanked 1,584 Times in 622 Posts Rep Power: 856201	Interesting topic. Good idea. I'll first say, I am by no means an Engineer or DBA or Sys Admin. But there is a small part of me which is technically savvy enough to hook up tech stuff/audio equipment/internet in my apt. Purchase and install memory in my own and others' laptops, repair/install the wifi at my mom's house while on vacation over Thanksgiving. Do some mild database work and create graphics/collateral for my job. General easy tech-y stuff. AND (the big AND) I sometimes think they are surprised that I can. Not my family, per se, but work folks. I am sure some of it is because IT is typically a male dominated profession, but it used to piss me off that there was this perception that because I am a woman and not in an IT role, that I would be incapable of doing ANYTHING technical. The assumptions are frustrating. However, now that they have learned I can figure stuff out, folks in my dept generally call me to fix their computer issues before calling tech support. 9/10 of the time, I can do it. And it doesn't help that we have people in much higher roles than mine, like the Controller...who can barely even use Excel. Not helping the stereotype, in my opinion. However, I guess I should be grateful the Controller is a woman __________________ Joy is the best makeup -Anne Lamott

12-15-2009, 12:37 AM	#10
Medusa Mentally Delicious How Do You Identify?: Queer High Femme, thank you very much Preferred Pronoun?: Mme. Relationship Status: Married to JD. Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 10,446 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 5,995 Thanked 42,871 Times in 7,835 Posts Rep Power: 21474861	And I cant tell you how many times I have heard that I "hired PapaChris or Linus to build this site" (but that might be because people think Im stupid, not a woman)

12-15-2009, 01:58 AM	#12
WILDCAT Member How Do You Identify?: Very PROUD BUTCH LESBIAN! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: PA Posts: 679 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 796 Thanked 547 Times in 236 Posts Rep Power: 761790	Hmmm. Thought provoking... Although this is "hardly" my area of expertise... I will say the same theme, through administration in time, big corporations of any product, and now into the very technical fields there always appears to remain the toughest challange for women to prove themselves. Any field, it seems - where "advancement" may be giving credit to women...(?) Hell, only fifty years ago - most women were still expected to just be housewives. The tit mousepads... a bit offensive. I'm sure there are "other kinds" as well... (No thanks.) And Medusa, you're an assertive women. Powerful women are unfortunately [still at times] considered only aggressive bitches - but, when it's a man in the same exact work situation EVEN being "aggressive" then (!), "he's one hell of a good strong intelligent employee/leader" in his field (heck, in this world). That's the way I see it anyway - in a very generalized way. (I think Japan is better now in the technical field for sharing credit with women - I could be mistaken though.) We might be giving more now to women in the medical fields with technical advancements though... (?) I have a relative who recently began a field in cancer research. The advertisements here are atrocious. (Frightening actually.) My sister works for Intel. I'll have to get a quick opinion sex ratio from her (then their stats), for the higher paid positions. But, you're also talking about attitudes. Stat that (?) At least I know where she is they are a bit progressive with regards towards gay employees. Well, gay men, I'm not sure if it's equal in attitude with gay women. I'm not sure about transsexuals. I will "dig" around a bit with her. How did you feel being referred to or assumed a gentleman [not?] Medusa? WILD Just my wooden nickel's worth anyway for a good thread start. Good luck.

12-15-2009, 10:30 AM	#14
Selenay Member How Do You Identify?: A soul for a compass and a heart for a pair of wings. Preferred Pronoun?: All I ask of living is to have no chains on me. Relationship Status: All I own are the strides I spend to the finish line. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Somewhere in between here and gone. Posts: 662 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 110 Thanked 1,450 Times in 370 Posts Rep Power: 6344714	I combat technological sexism by doing my own research. Currently, 15 FORTUNE 500 companies are run by women, and a total of 28 FORTUNE 1000 companies have women in the top job. Of these, the highest ranking woman places 27th in the list. When one looks at computer science in particular, however, the proportion of women has been falling. In 2001-2, only 28 percent of all undergraduate degrees in computer science went to women. By 2004-5, the number had declined to only 22 percent. Data collected by the Computing Research Association showed even fewer women at research universities like M.I.T.: women accounted for only 12 percent of undergraduate degrees in computer science and engineering in the United States and Canada granted in 2006-7 by Ph.D.-granting institutions, down from 19 percent in 2001-2. Many computer science departments report that women now make up less than 10 percent of the newest undergraduates. I would go on but I gots thangz. Maybe later. Sources: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortu...009/womenceos/ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/business/16digi.html __________________ Two or three things I know for sure, And one is that I would rather go naked Than wear the coat the world has made for me.

12-15-2009, 10:40 AM	#15
NotAnAverageGuy Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Trans Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,723 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 109 Thanked 282 Times in 178 Posts Rep Power: 0	I guess I am rather odd when it comes to sexism, I personally do not see anything wrong with the ads for things, sex sells for alot of products and it works, people gobble up certain products simply because of what the ad has displayed. But what about the male underwear models? Isn't that sexism too? I don't partake in technology so I am not much for conversation when it comes to that topic but I put my 2 cents in when I have an opinion.

12-15-2009, 10:49 AM	#16
Bootboi Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Bear Preferred Pronoun?: Mister Bear.. lol actually whatever not a big deal to me. Relationship Status: Solo sauntering along Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 216 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 127 Thanked 327 Times in 107 Posts Rep Power: 2089259	Wherever you go... There you are. I think its very true that there is alot of sexism within IT. I can recount many past and current experiences with sexism. I am an IT exec for a fortune 500 company here in Minneapolis. I will also say that I am 1 of 2 women that are at exec management level. The other 14 are male. To get to this level has been nothing short of sheer bullheaded perseverance and a strong passion for what I do for a living. Ive been discriminated against when applying for hire level jobs. Ive had a man win a position when he clearly did not have the qualifications to do so. I've also been called sir many times on the phone, undoubtedly because I have a very deep voice for a female. (not trans gender btw just good ol butch) Even though I did answer the phone and gave them a clearly frilly feminine name. (ahh the perils of a butch being named a foo foo girly name ) When I moved on to my current employment it was really refreshing to feel that higher level positions were awarded on merit and accomplishments. It makes you feel like you have your feet well planted. Historically, IT has been a male predominant field but as time progress's its not an all male environment anymore. Like any sterotyping cultures there has to be a starting point to breaking that proverbial glass ceiling. Breaking it comes with its ups and downs but the point is to keep pushing so we educate others into taking thier sexist blinders off and stop being ignorant. The most technically savvy people Ive worked with in the past 15yrs have been women. Interestingly enough I will also say its been my experience that women tend to take a more holistic approach to IT than most males do. Go figue huh? Anyhow, while it can really get on a persons nerves to be equivilated as being male because you possess technical knowledge. I think we need to keep in mind we are educating the ignorant. If all else fails "Claw their eyes out" HA!

12-15-2009, 10:52 AM	#18
Andrew, Jr. Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Me Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Over the Rainbow in a House Posts: 5,072 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,004 Thanked 5,249 Times in 2,216 Posts Rep Power: 0	For Medusa I just don't get sexism no matter what field. Look at medicine. Who would have ever imagined male nurses, and female doctors? For me, I have more genetically male disorders. When I was being tested by a woman, by law, she had to confer with another doctor. The two were quite shocked at the results. They went to a 3rd doctor. Same response. 2 women, 1 man, but the same results. Basic essentials of running a website I know that Dusa and Jack did great. I am sure Linus helped out with the smilies & Papa Chris did whatever. But that is just a small fraction of what is involved in something this huge. In the end, the full credit goes to Dusa and Jack. They are the ones who keep this site up and running all hours of the day and night. They are the ones who need full credit of our new home. For me, it makes no difference if someone is male or female id'ed. All that matters is that we are here together as a family. So, my hat is off to Medusa and Jack. Medusa, do not ever let anyone tell you that you did nothing because you are a female. You do more than you will ever know. I have the utmost respect for you, and always have. You just hold your head high, and know that alot of us are so proud of you and your accomplishments.