> Sexism in tech will start to become less of a problem once people recognize that it's an issue.
I completely, totally, 100% agree. And not only in tech, and the same with racism, homophobia, and other related issues.
But I don't agree that simple ignorance makes you part of the problem -- although I do agree that ignorance makes it more likely that you will perpetrate these kinds of problems accidentally.
As a white, heterosexual, privileged man I don't have a very good instinctive sense for the problems that those less privileged than me face. Gradually, but mostly four or so years ago, I decided I should learn some more, and started asking people and searching the net.
When I did this, I found learning about this to be a much more grueling process than it seems it should have been. In particular, I found some people (not all) who were more eager to belittle me for my ignorance than to simply to explain the problems that they have faced, or refer to me to some resource that would.
At the core I think that both of us agree: that it would be a very good thing if more people learned about racism, sexism, and related issues. I believe that your comment detracts from, rather than supports, this goal.
I completely, totally, 100% agree. And not only in tech, and the same with racism, homophobia, and other related issues.
But I don't agree that simple ignorance makes you part of the problem -- although I do agree that ignorance makes it more likely that you will perpetrate these kinds of problems accidentally.
As a white, heterosexual, privileged man I don't have a very good instinctive sense for the problems that those less privileged than me face. Gradually, but mostly four or so years ago, I decided I should learn some more, and started asking people and searching the net.
When I did this, I found learning about this to be a much more grueling process than it seems it should have been. In particular, I found some people (not all) who were more eager to belittle me for my ignorance than to simply to explain the problems that they have faced, or refer to me to some resource that would.
At the core I think that both of us agree: that it would be a very good thing if more people learned about racism, sexism, and related issues. I believe that your comment detracts from, rather than supports, this goal.