girls in technology.
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The following paragraph is based on EdEquity Dialogue with the Experts on
Technology and Equity, July 16-20,2001.
I find it difficult at times to discuss this issue because some how defense
radars go up and the messages get blurred along the line. I don't believe
that anyone indicated that playing with Barbie determines out come of
success. Barbie is a symbol of what some consider the traditional
feminine/little girl role. As I noted I did not like Barbie but was forced
to play because of my gender expectations not because of my choice. So I
would be classified as a nontraditional girl. My best friend loved Barbie
and became a very successful hairdresser. Success is determined by the
individual. What is successful for you or I may not be considered
successful
by others. To equate the choice of Barbie with success is to equate the
different types of learning modes with success. Some people learn visually,
others learn by doing, and then more learn by conceptualizing. Do these
different modes of learning determine the level of success each person will
achieve?
Choice goes both ways, if a girl chooses not to play with Barbie is she
classified as an unnatural little girl or just a girl?
My mother dressed me in dresses and skirts everyday knowing I did not like
them. She identified that I was not the "traditional" little girl but she
forced this on me. Her response to my queries were "I wanted you to have
the
opportunity to be a girl" Was she really giving me a choice when she knew I
didn't like it? Are we really giving choices or only making this available
based on what is expected for the gender role?
As I asked once before how do we provide options and opportunities in
technology that interest both the "nontraditional" and "traditional" girl?
Focusing on opportunities not measures of success.
Shireen Mitchell
Director - Digital Sisters, Inc.
director@digital-sistas.org
www.digital-sistas.org
"Technology with Women in Mind"
----- Original Message -----
J.Sheeran <Sheeran176@aol.com> wrote: "We each have our own stories of how
gender culture has impacted our lives.My 81 year old Dad regrets that he
did not take more time with his children
when they were growing up instead of working away from home a lot. I wish
I had not hit so many barracks and constant attitude as a (female) general
contractor.
I am an ardent believer in educating parents to raise successful children.
When you do this, Barbies will not be the toy of choice for a three year
old girl.
This is an extremely damaging stereo type- that girls who play with Barbies
will not be successful!My 4 year old can plan the development of a small
Lego town and complete the project, discuss the logic of what came first
the chicken or the egg, and make mistakes and learn from them and she does
it with her dolls at her side! Her dolls come with her to science day
where I teach her and the neighbor girls the basics of science..........
"Dawn" <dawn@educatingjane.com> wrote:
This is an extremely damaging stereo type- that girls who play with Barbies
will not be successful!My 4 year old can plan the development of a small
Lego town and complete the project, discuss the logic of what came first
the chicken or the egg, and make mistakes and learn from them and she does
it with her dolls at her side! Her dolls come with her to science day
where I teach her and the
neighbor girls the basics of science. No one would say that she will not
be successful in her future. She has focus, determination and drive. I
would love to see her become a scientist, engineer or a computer guru of
some sort, but she was born with her own mission that will unfold as she
grows. I will continue to give her the language of science, math and
technology.
There are plenty of women who played with Barbie's and are successful. Are
we trying to force girls to be something they are not? Or are we trying to
give them opportunities to succeed in technology if they chose?
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