Via the Diggmonster, I came across this article entitled “Top 5 Myths About Girls, Math, and Science.” I’ve rewritten what I’ve wanted to say about this article about five times now. I guess the only reasonable thing I can say about it is to read it, think about it, and when you have the chance, encourage a girl you know (even older) to learn more about math and science. Also, if you know one of the “stereotypical” woman talked about in the article (maybe more dull, boring, only about the facts), give her a break. A lot of woman who were early to get into “men’s” fields had to give up part of themselves to compete.
Also, when I did a Google image search for “scientist”, there was only 3 images of woman in the first 5 pages. =/
August 29th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
I agree with a lot of the suggestions this article relays. I have a young daughter that I have encouraged to be interested in science, math and computers since she was very young.
OK, so she could be a little more into math for mom’s sake. :p
However, she has a healthy interest in science, is very inquisitive, and can’t be touched on the computer by any of her counterparts at school—regardless if they are in a higher grade.
Start this stuff early. Oh, and thanks for the link to the article.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Yeah, I’ve actually been logging onto the ‘nets since 1990, despite only being 8 years old at the time (Leading Edge IMB w/ Prodigy FTW) and it only continued from there. I also went to an all girls school for middle and upper school (which I would highly recommend for girls… but I’m still out on how I feel about all boys schools). I got into film school, but my second idea was CS followed my meteorology.
I guess I just find the whole thing interesting. While it’s been a no brainer for me for a LONG time about strong woman in any area, I have to remind myself that not the rest of the world thinks that and encouraging still needs to happen.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Goddamn about the Google thing. That’s ridiculous : ( Sad part is, that’s probably the way it is in a lot of professional fields.
-b
June 25th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Sad to see that this is still a hurdle in our society.
I’m inconclusive about whether segregating girls & boys is the solution for everyone. I think it comes down to the individual.
I am 35. Interestingly, growing up, it was *never* the males in my peer group that had an issue with a female who was into science/technology …or other “geeky” pursuits. They were completely accepting of me.
In fact, if it werren’t for the males in my early years (primary/secondary education), I would not have had as many opprotunities to share my interests. And it was the males in my peer group that challenged (and thus motivated) me to become even better in science/math.
Sadly, any pressure I experienced came from other females. The math/science stigma wore off in 10th grade, but I remained a closet gamer (from other women) until my late 20’s.
As far as education, I never experienced double standards/discrimination from any teachers. However, I do think we need to do a better job of catching learning disabilities in girls early on.
Most of all, kudos to my mom & dad who recognized & fed my interests from day one. If parents can raise strong confident girls any pressure from the society outside becomes nil.
June 25th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Sad to see that this is still a hurdle in our society. Not sure about whether segregating girls/boys is the best solution for all, however. I think it depends on the individual.
I am 35. Growing up, I *never* experienced problems from boys when it came to my interestes in science/maths/tech and other “geeky” interests. They were completely accepting of me. In fact, it was the geeky guys in my life who challenged (and thus motivated) me to accel at these things.
Sadly, any negative pressure I experienced came from other women.
Kudos to my parents who recognized and fed my interests from day one & supported me. If we can raise strong confident girls, any pressure from the society outside becomes nil.