On Thursday evening, Annalee Newitz gave a talk sponsored by the Harvard Computer Society, titled "Revenge of the Female Nerds: Busting media and industry myths about why women can’t be technical."

I enjoyed her talk, although I thought that a few of her arguments were based more on wishful thinking than on the current social construction of reality - and on wishful thinking about what it takes to get from "is" to "ought" in that realm.

One thing I really liked about her talk was her assertion that the assumption that women can't succeed in technological careers is "...not a woman problem.  It's a gender problem."  All of us, not just women, are penalized wherever this myth persists.

Another thing I really liked was Annalee's proposal that we create and transmit new memes and myths.  She pointed to real life and fictional portrayals of female nerds that are entertaining and positive. 

She also listed some groups that are active in providing mentoring and support networks for women in technology and science.  Naturally, Linux Chix was one of them, but Boston Technobabe group was not.  Fortunately, a few of the aforementioned Babes were in attendance, and I had an opportunity to call Annalee's attention to our existence at the reception that followed.

As I've previously mentioned in my blog, I see the nonprofit sector as highly feminized, but the field of nonprofit technology as in need of a little remedial work. I look forward to observing - and perhaps participating in - the movement to create a self-perpetuating mythology about female nerds who kick butt and take names.


Be sure to read Beth Kanter's blog article about Annalee's talk; Beth does a much better job than I do when it comes to substantive reporting.  Not only that, you can view a video of Annalee whipping off her glasses and busting a myth about female nerds!