I apologize in advance on my rambling in this post. If this is to be my online diary and you choose to read it, then this is what you get :) I also know everyone has their own opinions and perspectives, however these are mine. I'm not attempting to start an argument, rather putting my thoughts on virtual paper.
Lately, I've been reading so many articles about women in tech. From how women should behave to succeed to how they have been discriminated. Being a woman in tech (a successful I would like to think), I don't really see a real truth in either side.
One of the articles I read today, there was a woman complaining about her coworkers checking out a booth babe. Now, I have coworkers that check out booth babes, good looking women in Starbucks while I'm with them...but by the same token, I'm commenting on the good looking guy that's walking by. I feel that if I'm going to dish it out, I should also learn to take it. I also believe going to an engineering school has taught me to have guy humor, no matter how gross or offensive - I think most guy things are funny. Now, you can argue that there is a time/place for that - and I agree, work isn't always the right place. However, if you're out in a dinner/drinks situation (which I usually am), then I think it becomes more of a social engagement. Rather than focusing on women in tech being discriminated, shouldn't there be a larger argument? If I don't feel offended with my guy friends making jokes or checking out girls, can I hold my coworkers at dinner at the same standard?
And I do agree, it's harder for women to juggle work and family life. When most kids are sick, they want their mother. How does a mother juggle that with working? However, I lately feel like people (men more than women) judge me for not having children (I promise I'm not making this up, actual comments have been made). In the interview with the Facebook COO, she clearly states that women shouldn't have to feel guilty to not put her kids to sleep or when she can't take them to their soccer games. I've worked with many women who have done a great job of juggling both. I also think it's important to lay those boundaries down (whether its with kids, family, leaving at 5 so you can see some sunshine) early. I do feel like employers will respect you more. Especially in this day and age, anything I do at 4, I can do at 9 pm, 6 am the next day. As long as you can stay true to yourself and feel confident in your decision, that's the most important thing.
I decided to change my profile picture to the equality sign today. I believe that everyone should have the same rights. Also, as a scientist (okay now turned software consultant) I believe that being gay/straight is something that is part of your DNA, not something you choose. I saw someone on Facebook turn her profile picture to the unequal sign, and I can't even express how much that pissed me off. Who are we (as humans) to tell another human that they aren't equal to us?
I just can't get over how we're still arguing about civil rights, whether it's a man vs. woman, black vs whites, or gay rights - we're all people - don't we deserve the same rights?
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