Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

On being a girl in computer science - a confession

zanytomato.tumblr.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

1–10 of 305 posts

Re: On being a girl in computer science - a confession

#2

Post by taeric »

Similarly, I have to confess I am a little worried about this with my daughter. It is ridiculously clear that she does not do your stereotypical girl activities already at the age of 3. To the point that some of the boys in her "pre-k" class have actually thought that spiderman was a girl's thing. For the most part, my wife and I both think this is hilarious. And we are fine letting her do whatever she wants.

However, we have been worried that it is obvious she does not fit in with some other girls her age. To the point where it almost seems to bother her. Luckily, it is not a 100% thing. Still a little worrisome to see, though.

Re: On being a girl in computer science - a confession

#3

Post by gonehome »

This closely aligns with my thoughts on the issue.

While I understand the good intentions behind girl only events, women in CS meetups and girl geek dinners/mentors something about it feels wrong to me. It's like fighting an exclusion problem with just a different type of exclusion and simultaneously reinforcing the divisions they're rallying against.

Re: On being a girl in computer science - a confession

#4

Post by Nursie »

taeric wrote: post #2

Similarly, I have to confess I am a little worried about this with my daughter. It is ridiculously clear that she does not do your stereotypical girl activities already at the age of 3. To the point that some of the boys in her "pre-k" class have actually thought that spiderman was a girl's thing. For the most part, my wife and I both think this is hilarious. And we are fine letting her do whatever she wants. However…

I'll admit I only skim-read the article but... why is your daughter's behaviour worrisome? Kids fit in in different ways, or don't.

Are you worried she's going to turn into a software engineer? Because I'll agree that is a fate worse than death :)

Re: On being a girl in computer science - a confession

#6

Post by taeric »

Nursie wrote: post #4
taeric wrote: post #2

Similarly, I have to confess I am a little worried about this with my daughter. It is ridiculously clear that she does not do your stereotypical girl activities already at the age of 3. To the point that some of the boys in her "pre-k" class have actually thought that spiderman was a girl's thing. For the most part, my wife and I both think this is hilarious. And we are fine letting her do whatever she wants. However…

I'll admit I only skim-read the article but... why is your daughter's behaviour worrisome? Kids fit in in different ways, or don't. Are you worried she's going to turn into a software engineer? Because I'll agree that is a fate worse than death :)

It is worrisome to see her upset with the way she is treated. Apologies for wording that poorly. At the age of three, I can not exactly bring myself to give any concern with whatever career choices she may make. :)

Re: On being a girl in computer science - a confession

#7

Post by ninetax »

> I grew up in a household where there was no particular attention (that I can recall) given to the fact that as a young woman I could attain whatever career I wanted—it was just a given.

> I fear that when you say, for example, that “yes, girls can do anything”, it first plants the idea that there is an inequality, before it attempts to combat this idea.

From your post it looks like you had lots of encouragement from an early age (or at least no great signs of discouragement).

I believe the reason we have women in CS events is to encourage those who have been discouraged already. Women that have been told though movie stereotypes, guidance counselors, and parents that programming is a nerdy boys thing to do need to hear it from us that CS is open to everyone.

IMHO those events are a good idea.

Re: On being a girl in computer science - a confession

#8

Post by tobyjsullivan »

This is an excellent viewpoint. I am curious how the youngest generations of today are being introduced to computer science as technology becomes more and more ubiquitous. Clearly there are tons of "Women in CS" programs and, generally, I think they are making a good impact for those who may already feel alienated. But a lot more study needs to go into why gender ratios are really so skewed and what root causes can be properly addressed.

Re: On being a girl in computer science - a confession

#9

Post by masry »

The height of non-racisim isn't preferring a minority race over the dominant race, it's dealing with people as if you genuinely don't notice what race they're from. There's a great south park episode on this.

Similarly I believe the height of non-sexism isn't (in my humble opinion) giving women only help, it's dealing as if you don't notice the person's gender. Do eliminate brogramming and sexist jokes at the workplace but don't give women only meetups, courses, and preferential treatment.

Post reply on HN