"Even people who don’t know what a computer scientist actually does would recognize the quintessential stereotype of one: a pale, sweaty Star Wars fan hacking into the Pentagon from his gadget-filled basement.
Indeed, “hacker” culture is frequently described as overrun with techie boys who care only about computers—not a place for extroverted girls with passions ranging from healthcare to education to business to fashion."
WHAT THE FUCK? I don't know a SINGLE pale, sweaty, overweight programmer (ok fine this 50 year old I know has a bit of extra weight on him). And 80% of programmers I met are HIGHLY social. And 80% of programmers I know are engaged in tons of sports and physical activities, and enjoy them quite a bit, much more than most people go to the gym. In fact most people fitting those categories are in the bad programmer category. Smart people care not just for their minds, but their body and happiness. The description above is a world of warcraft player.
If I was to describe a programmer stereotype it would be:
"Usually a physically fit person, who frequently cares more about self-improvement and enjoys an intellectually stimulating discussion regardless of topic."
Well said good sir. I want a developer writing this stuff. The "Lighten Up" is a post I can respect, as it points out a REAL problem, not a media hyped one that we read about every other day.
The writer of this article seems to be a developer or at least is trying to present herself as one.
"Media depictions of computer scientists only serve to further alienate women from the profession. When I watched Revenge of the Nerds as a child, it was hard to relate to a nearly all-male cast.
Turns out, I’m not alone."
Also I worked in laid back, and corporate environments, and my observation stands for every place I worked at. The more laid back the more fit and lively and sociable the people are.
Indeed, “hacker” culture is frequently described as overrun with techie boys who care only about computers—not a place for extroverted girls with passions ranging from healthcare to education to business to fashion."
WHAT THE FUCK? I don't know a SINGLE pale, sweaty, overweight programmer (ok fine this 50 year old I know has a bit of extra weight on him). And 80% of programmers I met are HIGHLY social. And 80% of programmers I know are engaged in tons of sports and physical activities, and enjoy them quite a bit, much more than most people go to the gym. In fact most people fitting those categories are in the bad programmer category. Smart people care not just for their minds, but their body and happiness. The description above is a world of warcraft player.
If I was to describe a programmer stereotype it would be:
"Usually a physically fit person, who frequently cares more about self-improvement and enjoys an intellectually stimulating discussion regardless of topic."