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My apologies. I don't know why you were censored, I'm assuming you know way more about this than me. I will say though I think it's dishonest to characterize f

My apologies. I don't know why you were censored, I'm assuming you know way more about this than me. I will say though I think it's dishonest to characterize feminist discourse by what happens on twitter. If this is happening outside of the internet, in feminist groups and academic discourse, I agree that it is problematic, but not a problem that is unique to feminism.

mpfollett 13y ago
Dishonest? Dude, you're talking to a Quaker. Here is my wish. Will Geek Feminists Please Relax!? I am perplexed by the negativity of the ‘geek feminist’ movement, and concerned about the inevitable backlash that could set women back in the STEM community. At a pivotal time in the evolution of corporate culture, when exciting creative cultures are forming, geek feminists are making demands on what they define as good and bad behavior, creating controversy and yes, hysteria, over any male behavior that is ‘offensive.’ (My personal apology to Mr. Hank)see rational explanation @ http://www.businessinsider.com/adria-richards-dongle-and-forking-jokes-2013-3 http://www.businessinsider.com/adria-richards-dongle-and-for... These tactics only create tension and mistrust, making assimilation into the STEM community more difficult for women. It would be tragic if women were seen as monolithic, and further excluded from a community that provides so many benefits for women. For example Sarah Allen, founder of Blazing Cloud says being a programmer has been a great career for her as a mom. "I don't think you can be a woman in our society and not experience sexism, so, sure, but that's not the point," she says. Rana Florida, CEO at the Creative Class tells her team members “I don’t care when you work, how you work, or where you work,” Her new book Upgrade describes cutting edge corporate culture, with flexibility and responsibility Meanwhile, Tony Hsieh of Zappos is transforming the derelict remains of Downtown Las Vegas into a “community where businesses can thrive.” ...where everyone feels like they can hang out all the time and where there’s not a huge distinction between working and playing.” If the geek feminists think these cultures will welcome a demanding group of women, I suggest they think again. They are doing a disservice to all women, and men, and everyone else on the planet.
- quinnchr 13y ago
  And you're talking to Unitarian! I've interacted with plenty of Quakers, and I have to say I'm a big fan. I didn't mean it as a personal attack, I'm sorry if came across that way. I just don't think it's fair to characterize the feminist movement by what happens on twitter. I'm not at all familiar with the 'geek feminist' movement, so I appreciate your insight. I completely agree that the whole Adria Richards affair was overblown by everyone involved, however it doesn't seem like that's a typical response. What do you think is the appropriate way for women in technology to create an equitable workplace? Is not speaking out when genuinely offensive behavior occurs really the right way?
  - mpfollett 13y ago
    So happy we found common ground! That's how it's done. Women must assimilate, not dictate. (Here goes the old "in my day" lecture:) we had to learn how to tie ugly scarves around our necks as tie substitutes....tacky...so ya loose a little dignity here and there, but what you gain, if you stay on TASK! is the respect of your coworkers, and 'power' flows from there. Don't sweat the small stuff:) wanna see what i mean, UGLY scarves:) http://www.rustyzipper.com/womens/scarves/1970/ http://www.rustyzipper.com/womens/scarves/1970/ I would prefer to hear cursing anyday!

mpfollett 13y ago

Dishonest? Dude, you're talking to a Quaker. Here is my wish. Will Geek Feminists Please Relax!? I am perplexed by the negativity of the ‘geek feminist’ movement, and concerned about the inevitable backlash that could set women back in the STEM community. At a pivotal time in the evolution of corporate culture, when exciting creative cultures are forming, geek feminists are making demands on what they define as good and bad behavior, creating controversy and yes, hysteria, over any male behavior that is ‘offensive.’ (My personal apology to Mr. Hank)see rational explanation @ http://www.businessinsider.com/adria-richards-dongle-and-forking-jokes-2013-3 http://www.businessinsider.com/adria-richards-dongle-and-for... These tactics only create tension and mistrust, making assimilation into the STEM community more difficult for women. It would be tragic if women were seen as monolithic, and further excluded from a community that provides so many benefits for women. For example Sarah Allen, founder of Blazing Cloud says being a programmer has been a great career for her as a mom. "I don't think you can be a woman in our society and not experience sexism, so, sure, but that's not the point," she says. Rana Florida, CEO at the Creative Class tells her team members “I don’t care when you work, how you work, or where you work,” Her new book Upgrade describes cutting edge corporate culture, with flexibility and responsibility Meanwhile, Tony Hsieh of Zappos is transforming the derelict remains of Downtown Las Vegas into a “community where businesses can thrive.” ...where everyone feels like they can hang out all the time and where there’s not a huge distinction between working and playing.” If the geek feminists think these cultures will welcome a demanding group of women, I suggest they think again. They are doing a disservice to all women, and men, and everyone else on the planet.

quinnchr 13y ago
And you're talking to Unitarian! I've interacted with plenty of Quakers, and I have to say I'm a big fan. I didn't mean it as a personal attack, I'm sorry if came across that way. I just don't think it's fair to characterize the feminist movement by what happens on twitter. I'm not at all familiar with the 'geek feminist' movement, so I appreciate your insight. I completely agree that the whole Adria Richards affair was overblown by everyone involved, however it doesn't seem like that's a typical response. What do you think is the appropriate way for women in technology to create an equitable workplace? Is not speaking out when genuinely offensive behavior occurs really the right way?
- mpfollett 13y ago
  So happy we found common ground! That's how it's done. Women must assimilate, not dictate. (Here goes the old "in my day" lecture:) we had to learn how to tie ugly scarves around our necks as tie substitutes....tacky...so ya loose a little dignity here and there, but what you gain, if you stay on TASK! is the respect of your coworkers, and 'power' flows from there. Don't sweat the small stuff:) wanna see what i mean, UGLY scarves:) http://www.rustyzipper.com/womens/scarves/1970/ http://www.rustyzipper.com/womens/scarves/1970/ I would prefer to hear cursing anyday!