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I'm really uncomfortable with how other men deal with the subject of women in tech. More than once, I've noticed developers who are women derided as less compe

I'm really uncomfortable with how other men deal with the subject of women in tech. More than once, I've noticed developers who are women derided as less competent, less capable than their male peers. Their professional success is ascribed to their appearance, their male bed partners, or some other such male-invented loophole. One of these conversations happened just the other day where I work. The really disturbing bonus is how suddenly "bitch" becomes a synonym for "woman." I don't really know where I'm going with this. I can't claim to understand a cause or a solution. My mom was a single mother who started her own business to keep me fed and clothed, so I maybe I'm immune to this business of discounting the capacities of half the population with no more information about them than their anatomy. I only know it makes me sad. edit: Initially terrified that this got voted into the negatives. Thanks for restoring my faith in you, HN.

earl 16y ago
I haven't heard anything like that, and I work in a company with female developers. Further, I have no doubt that it wouldn't be tolerated by any of my friends at the company, and would be a firing offense. No company name because some commenters here are jackasses and anything I say is representative of my employer :rolleyes: Nonetheless, we're a startup in SOMA you've probably heard of. edit -- Perhaps you should sack up and tell people you're uncomfortable with them talking about your coworkers / women in such a manner? Much like racism, sexism is aided by ambient acceptance of such stuff. Like, for example, when people hear sexist comments and are quiet about it. It's not necessarily easy to do, but the right thing isn't always easy.
- danilocampos 16y ago
  No female developers where I work, so that could be part of it. This conversation wasn't about anyone at the company. And you're completely right, of course. I, honestly, was too shocked to react. I mean, flabbergasted. It's so... antiquated, like finding out someone resents the Union for that whole abolition thing. In the days since, I feel bad not to have spoken up.

earl 16y ago

I haven't heard anything like that, and I work in a company with female developers. Further, I have no doubt that it wouldn't be tolerated by any of my friends at the company, and would be a firing offense. No company name because some commenters here are jackasses and anything I say is representative of my employer :rolleyes: Nonetheless, we're a startup in SOMA you've probably heard of. edit -- Perhaps you should sack up and tell people you're uncomfortable with them talking about your coworkers / women in such a manner? Much like racism, sexism is aided by ambient acceptance of such stuff. Like, for example, when people hear sexist comments and are quiet about it. It's not necessarily easy to do, but the right thing isn't always easy.

danilocampos 16y ago
No female developers where I work, so that could be part of it. This conversation wasn't about anyone at the company. And you're completely right, of course. I, honestly, was too shocked to react. I mean, flabbergasted. It's so... antiquated, like finding out someone resents the Union for that whole abolition thing. In the days since, I feel bad not to have spoken up.