You don’t have to choose between looking feminine and being good at math, science, and engineering. We need all kinds of people, all kinds of minds, and all kinds of geeks to solve our technology problems.
To sum up the post: Ada Lovelace rocked classic Victorian gear, so girls might opt to work in technology if they see a role-model-providing *doll* who doesn’t have to dress soberly to be considered a professional in a classically masculine field. Did I read that right?
I know this is well-meaning but WTF. This trend of commentary places the lion’s share of change on women’s shoulders while failing to address the very real issue that male geekery has a reputation* for immature reactions to gender differences. You can’t have women showing up to work in ‘more’ feminine clothing if it goes unchecked that the male contingent can spend time discussing the latest objectified female video game character. Other traditionally masculine fields don’t have cultural currency around a hobby that promotes titillated gender representations, if you’ll forgive the accurate pun.
Stereotyped, extreme generalizations—I know. Measured, even-handed words about the topic fade into the gender imbalance and biases, frankly. But I’m at the end of my coherency on the issue anyway—the rest is just anger. Male geeks are not asked to change much at all to show up in a professional workplace. Meanwhile girls are presumed to be fretting about clothing choices.
* I’d love to say ‘stereotyped’ here but that brings out a second, equally valid argument I’d prefer to address separately. There are many men in the field who buck this trend and I’m proud to know a small handful.
