I think articles like this help to "normalize" programming as a career for people that aren't nerdy white dudes. The hypothesis goes, a lot of [women,minorities] don't go into [programming,finance,etc] because they don't see it as a career that people like themselves can or do choose. Puff pieces about "this person who is like you or who you aspire to be like is also into [programming,finance,etc]" help them visualize themselves choosing this career.
You may not agree, but I think having more women and minorities in programming would be a good thing. Because I think that articles like this are a way to help get young women and minorities interested in programming, I like that this article exists, even though it wasn't written for me.
While it might help "normalize" a programming career, it also reinforces the idea that no matter what a woman has accomplished (or is capable of) in her career, her physical appearance is at least as important when evaluating her accomplishments.
Full disclosure: I am a woman. I am also a student and CS major. I happen to be conventionally attractive, and rather than inspiring me, this kind of article contributes to certain fears I have, going into the industry. If we want to inspire young girls to be interested in programming, we should highlight the work of people like Marissa Meyer, who have worked really hard over many years...not give them the impression that being born tall and beautiful is as important as their resumes.
You may have same objections toward articles that would mention how much money a man makes, what an excelent breadwinner he is, how breave or strong he is. It would reinforce the idea that no matter how accomplished man is in his career what matters is how much money he makes or how manly he is.
I don't think that looks of Marrisa Mayer were not a factor in how much her story was covered.
> If we want to inspire young girls to be interested in programming, we should highlight the work of people like Marissa Meyer, who have worked really hard over many years...not give them the impression that being born tall and beautiful is as important as their resumes.
It is funny you say that because guess what showed up on my Linkedin news feed the other day. [1]
I am aware that Marissa Meyer's looks are often spoken of. However, before she was a CEO, she earned degrees from some of the world's most highly ranked universities and did interesting work for another 13 years.
Regarding the article you posted - the advantage that attractive people have in the workplace is not limited to women; attractive men also earn this benefit. In fact, some studies show that if attractive women are applying for typically male-dominated fields, they are rated more negatively than their unattractive counterparts. Attractive males do not experience a noted disadvantage when applying for any job.
When I think minorities, I think African American and Hispanic. I grew up in Nigeria and I'm lucky that my parents decided to move to America where I picked up on programming. If there were more notable blacks in SV, I would have decided on programming sooner.
Non white immigrants to me are not minorities but I could be and I probably am wrong.
> Non white immigrants to me are not minorities but I could be and I probably am wrong.
If you are going by the socio-cultural definition of a person who has not had the chances that the cultures in the U.S. have been given. There are enough minorities, American Indian, Hmong and so on to name a few.
If you are going by the definition of a person who ethnically belongs to a population who is not the majority, then there are Asians who have done well for themselves in the programming industry but still are minorities.
Oh also, sometimes there won't be people ahead to make the path for you. You have to get out there and make it yourself. I grew up in Ethiopia, touched a computer for the first time at the age of 16 (for thirty minutes because we paid by the minute). Not everyone has the magical opportunities that exist in America.
You may not agree, but I think having more women and minorities in programming would be a good thing. Because I think that articles like this are a way to help get young women and minorities interested in programming, I like that this article exists, even though it wasn't written for me.