Sparked by Piper’s musings on the subject, I’ve been working in tech-related industries since I was knee high to a W.A.S.P. and, like every man (or woman) I’ve got a view on the whole chicks in tech thing . Having actually worked with Piper in a male-dominated space I guess it’s doubly pertinent (if boring) that I share them with you, my beloved reader.
Firstly, I think it’s fairly undeniable that full-on geekery takes you a step away from the normal view of what constitutes a rounded human being. And like anything that demands a certain level of immersion – be it model trains, football fandom or serial killing – it appeals to something within the male psyche. It’s a hand-wavy generalisation but monomania seems more prevalent in men. That’s not to say that every hardcore geek is a man, or that all geeks are hardcore but there’s definitely something in the Must Have Lots Of Arcane Knowledge culture that tilts the field towards men.
Secondly, because of the preponderance of blokes in tech it is, as Piper acknowledges, condusive to a certain kind of atmosphere. I’m sure that female-dominated professions such as HR or pole dancing develop their own culture in isolation from much of a male presence.
Thirdly, put some men in a room and they will eventually get ribald. Is it genetic? Cultural? Who knows? That can span a whole range of different scenarios from the kind of hate endured by Kathy Sierra, to office quips that are borderline offensive if you think about it, through to genuine camaraderie between men and women on Whatever level.
Finally, there’s the role of different personalities. I (as Piper will attest) have said some amazingly offensive things but somehow it’s always seemed alright (I’m assuming here that there aren’t any outstanding warrants for my arrest!) Conversely, I worked with a bloke who could say something only fractionally off beam but would raise the hackles of every woman within 15ft when he spoke. I’ve no idea how or why that arises, but clearly there’s a subset of issues where individuals get involved. It might be fine for you to remark on the size of my packet – I forgive you because you’re good looking and have a great rack. On the other hand, if person X says they like my hair it might send me livid at the inappropriateness of it all.
Conclusion: life’s one big fucking mystery. Men and women do differ in their approaches but a friendly atmosphere can make those differences seem more of a positive than a negative. Tech might differ from some other industries, but I suspect you could hold this conversation in almost any sphere of work where one sex, for whatever reason, predominates.
Now: put the kettle on, love.
Argh sheeeeeeet. Fuck this crap. I’m off to cut hair with ma bitches
I’d love to put you in front of some staunch feminists and watch the fallout dude – even your lovable brand of humour would be like petrol on the flames :p
Now, when are you going to write about the ‘rules of girls’….?
Pure class!