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Unread 28-04-2014, 12:02
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Carolyn_Grace Carolyn_Grace is offline
Build bridges not walls.
AKA: Carolyn Beyer
FRC #1024
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Re: Jane Cosmetics at 2014 Championship

I find this whole discussion fascinating. Disclaimer: My opinion is not fully formed, and I appreciate everyone civilly sharing theirs as I think through it it all.

I definitely wanted to go to the booth and have someone pamper me for a few moments. I love when people do my hair, perhaps because it reminds me of time with my sister when we were younger. And I always feel like I am horrible at putting on makeup, but I LIKE to wear it (seriously, how do you keep mascara from smudging?!) So it would have been nice to get some tips. I chose to spend my time elsewhere though, like checking out the laser-etching machine.

Important word here: choice. Yes, the booth was center stage in the pits, but every interaction that I witnessed between the company and students was a positive one. And those who chose to not check it out were free to do so without being bombarded in other ways. They were inclusive, generous and respectful. They were gracious and professional.

The pluses that I see:
  • Opening discussions with our teams about what it means to be female in STEM and business industries.
  • Opportunity to assess our own views of stereotypes.
  • Showcasing a strong female role model in the business world. Lynn seems like a ruthless business leader, passionate about her work and compassionate for those in need. (I enjoyed her Dean's List Award Ceremony speech)
  • Bringing non-STEM companies in to see everything that we do: Making it Loud from the inside out instead of just preaching to the choir.
  • Showcasing a stereo-typically more girly company to expand interest in FIRST and STEM.

Some possible deltas:
  • Inaccurate portrayal and judgment that females need makeup to be successful.
  • Possible increasing pressure on teenage girls to fit in with the stereotypical view of feminism.
  • The misinterpreted impression that in order to be powerful, girls need to embrace their outer beauty more than their inner.

I wish I would have had the opportunity to talk with Lynn Tilton and ask her about these concerns. She seems like an intelligent woman who believes in the spirit of FIRST. I was inspired by her speech. The quote that stands out to me is, "When people feel better about themselves they are more courageous, confident and compassionate."
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"It is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be." -Isaac Asimov