erspert@athena.mit.edu (Ellen R. Spertus) (04/10/90)
For one of my classes ("Women and Computers"), I'm doing a project on
ways in which the message "Computers/Science/Engineering isn't for
girls/women" (or the opposite) is communicated. Some examples would
include:
- Computer ads featuring scantily-clad women.
- An ad I received for a pink calculator that could
fit in my "chic little handbag", with large keys
to keep from breaking one's "gorgeous nails."
(Their words, not mine.)
- Being treated differently by teachers or coworkers.
I've been collecting some of the more egregious examples for the
past few years, and I'm hoping some others out there have their
favorite examples. I am interested in xeroxes or references
to items in print as well as anecdotes. Despite the one-sidedness
of my examples, I am interested in both pro- and anti- female
material. Please email me (erspert@athena.mit.edu) or physically
send material to:
Ellen Spertus
MIT AI Lab, room 630
545 Technology Square
Cambridge, MA 02139
Thanks in advance for any help.