Girls in Engineering- Comic that explains it all

[Cynette]

Originally Posted by gblake

We can try to suppress comments like the high-maintenance one, or we can rob them of any power by embracing them, and by balancing them with a few reasons why men and chains are similar.

I, for one, prefer educating the stereotype sources by converting the stereotypes into badges of honor, instead of by castigating those who express them.

"we can rob them of any power by embracing them"

I seem to hear this concept frequently by generations younger than me. I don't think it works. My daughter has taken several courses centered around various stereotypes in society and we have had this discussion several times. I still don't accept the idea that it is ok for members of the African-American community to use the "N" word on one another saying it robs that word of power by embracing it. I still don't accept the idea that it is ok for the "F" word to be used as a speech-filler saying it robs that word of power by embracing it. I still don't accept the idea that it is ok to tell ethnic jokes because humor robs those stereotypes of power by embracing them.

And as tough of a skin as we develop and as much of a "you can't hurt me" attitude as we put on, those words confirming those stereotypes still tear us down.

What I have learned from discussions with my daughter is that we all have prejudices. It's what we do about the prejudices that is a measure of our character.

I don't think we should convert sterotypes into badges of honor, because most stereotypes are not honorable, but rather take the time to ask where the impression came from and try to provide examples of where the stereotype is not accurate.

Girls in engineering (the topic of this thread) - I think it really comes down to sales and marketing. Girls can grow up to be anything they want. What is the engineering community doing to make a career in engineering the most attractive option for those young women ready to make a career decision?

James - I'll be interested to see what feedback you get. Maybe the lessons of a toy company can give us insight into marketing engineering to attract young women in the same way it attracts young men.