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You're right that it's not specific to technology at all. It's better to think of it as the subset of sexism which occurs in the technology industry. Before do
by mtrimpe 14y ago
You're right that it's not specific to technology at all. It's better to think of it as the subset of sexism which occurs in the technology industry.
Before downplaying the significance of this it's probably good to keep in mind though that if you're a straight, white, western male, there's a good chance you underestimate the effects of being on the 'losing side' of any one of those axes.
As for the article, I can imagine that being labeled this way can be annoying, but it's important to keep in mind that these events are there for the women that do have trouble with these issues and/or for when you do run into trouble.
What many people often forget is that while these issues you hear about may not be present in your life at the moment, it's fairly easy for some new arrivals in your company to change the atmosphere into something hostile and hurtful to you. Just imagine how it feels when the suits start taking over and amp that up an order of magnitude or two.
It's for those moments that having these groups is so important.
- precisioncoder 14y agoYou didn't finish your sentence. You mean if you're a straight , white, western, non-geek, that enjoys only conventional hobbies and interests and holds down a conventional job etc etc etc. I would argue that geeks and punks and other "minorities" often have a very up close and personal look at violent discrimination. I've been hospitalized personally and have friends that have been as well despite belonging to the straight white western male demographic. I think one of the reasons that the tech world tends to react so harshly to criticism is a large portion of it's members are outcasts that have finally found a home. When a disenfranchised people find a place they belong they will react violently against any perceived threat to it. Yes many other minorities have it far worse. Yes there is still a great deal of privileged in comparison to the rest of the world. However there's always a sliding scale.
- mtrimpe 14y agoNo. I did finish my sentence. I excluded everything that is a choice. Being discriminated based on something that you can't change about yourself is substantially different from when it's based on something you can choose not to. P.S. I realize that orientation starts getting into gray territory, so let's exclude it for the sake of this argument. P.P.S. Although tangential, the remainder of your comment actually explores an interesting theme..
- precisioncoder 14y agoChoice is a gray area. For instance if you're of unimpressive physical stature, intelligent, and wear glasses you're automatically grouped into a certain category. You also have certain options open to you. Not to mention while you can choose what to do you cannot always choose what you are interested in.
- illuminate 14y ago"I would argue that geeks and punks and other "minorities" often have a very up close and personal look at violent discrimination." Being bullied doesn't mean that you can't also become the bully yourself. I'd be willing to believe that plenty of the internet/Reddit/anonymous commenter misogynists were treated poorly by others in their lives, and choose to reflect that in how they view women in general.
- precisioncoder 14y agoI totally agree. Personally I try to use the fact that I was bullied as an opportunity to empathize and try to help others. We may not be able to choose our external circumstances but we can certainly work on how we react to them.
- illuminate 14y agoIt's both fascinating and horrifying how persons embody their attackers. It's their turn to be in charge, now! Good on you and everyone else who can have introspection towards their behaviors and avoid any further harm.