Ledger 7 - IT Princess

I'm Behind on these reading responses which is regrettable because I have so much to rant about. So strap in, it's going to be a busy post.  

If you're reading this, I can nearly guarantee that you're at least interested in this stuff or another nerd searching for brain nuggets.  On the menu for this ledger? Data collection and girls.  

Since my first Isaac Asimov novel, I've been consistently obsessed with the power that technology grants to people. It's a god-like gift being able to transcend the physical into manipulatable space.  

I quickly learned that technology isn't like a superpower at all unless you've been diving into a technique for decades. Even then, your power might not be accepted or valued due to the social/rhetorical situation.  

Bethany Nowviskie had a quick article about this issue in regards to women being generally forgotten in data mining conferences and panels. The offenders? Fairly amicable. They took Bethany's advice into account and I hope to see a follow-up Tweet thread about these improvements.  

But the turnaround isn't always that quick, nor does offense result in response as often. In my own time in IT-related jobs I've noticed this. In the academic world, It's rampant. There are so many areas that cause surprise to people when they notice a woman among its ranks. I keep hoping that the older I get, the fewer these instances would occur but it's quite the opposite. Many of my friends and I have been passed over when promotions arise simply because we are seen as lesser.  

My previous post had a lot to do with transparency and I believe gender complaints/issues/tensions might benefit from increased transparency in the discussion. I should be able to say to my employer that I believe they passed me over due to gender, and I should not have to expect relentless backlash for saying so.  I joke around with my coworkers that I'm just a tech princess and I'll never be the hero, they'll laugh and then some sober up and look at me with such sorry faces. They know it's true and I hope they'll change that. Many of my coworkers have moved onto high paying jobs at Microsoft, Google and Reliaquest. One day, when they hold the authority to hire, I hope they'll think of me. 

But, as disappointing as clichés are, this, is so, so normal. I wonder how this will change as access to technology and technological education increases.