Random thought
Sunday, October the 10th, 2004
I just got back from dinner with three women. Now the conversation kept veering toward things like how many women faculty there are in our departments, where they are in their career, how hard things might have been at various earlier points in their careers and so on.
Now my question is this. In fields such as applied mechanics or some such clearly dominated by male geeks (and by dominated, I mean nothing more than there are many more of them in number, I am in no way referring to intellectual ability), what’s the chance a woman is going to be treated any less than perfect?
I mean, as far as I’ve seen, as a student, the number of women are usually so small in comparison with men, that the few are treated like goddesses. No matter how smart they are, capable they are, attractive (whatever criteria of judgement you choose to judge by) … they are.
October 11th, 2004 at 1:26 am
i know that among students, some of the guys in those fields (some, not all) tend to think less of women - that they don’t know what they’re doing, they’re not as smart, etc. and even if they don’t specifically say things like that, they’ll tend to take control of things when working on group projects, or they’ll dominate class discussions, things like that. so it can get hard sometimes. especially for girls who are too afraid to talk or ask questions because they don’t want the guys in the class to think they are dumb. anyway, i wouldn’t be surprised if female faculty members go through similar experiences.
October 11th, 2004 at 8:40 am
on a totally unconnected topic - plz visit my blog n see if u want to join up (would like it if u cud) n if u feel so inclinded plz drop me the mail
October 11th, 2004 at 12:47 pm
A very,very happy b’day to you!
October 12th, 2004 at 1:38 am
anita: I will respond to this in probably some detail in a little while. I am, for whatever reasons, not preparing my talk/slides and goofing off online.
October 12th, 2004 at 1:38 am
pramila: I do vist and I did see what is going on. I’d just rather not participate. Thanks for asking though.
October 12th, 2004 at 1:39 am
you: Thank you!