Rhonda's Escapades

While surfing the net, I came across an article about the rareness of female programmers. Out of curiosity, I clicked. It was some guy rambling on about how there aren't enough girls developing software. Throughout his article he made several rude puns and jokes about female competency. Personally, I thought his argument was immature and disrespectful, but it got me thinkin'.

First and foremost, to each his own. A person can be whomever they want to be. If a girl wants to be a lumberjack, goddamnit she can be a lumberjack. I'm not a feminist, but people really need to stop this 'gender segregation' crap.

However! Programming, more than likely, does not interest most gals in today's world. The majority of the ladies are too busy shopping for shoes, oooh'ing over boys and applying makeup - according to the female stereotype anyways (not that I disagree). There really isn't much more to it; most women just aren't interested in programming. In fact, I'm sure that a lot of people aren't interested in programming-- not just girls. Programming can be such a difficult task filled with many intricacies, roadblocks and headaches. A great portion of the population either does not have the time, patience or the brains for it. So that is one good reason why women (most people, actually) might not want to dive into programming as it can be a huge, time-consuming challenge. People are lazy as it is.
I myself have have not seen many female programmers. But I think girls will eventually overrun the programming industry and do just as well as the boys. Web/Graphic design (different from actual programming, imo) is already popular with women. Just have patience, guys. =]

So. I am female and I am a programmer. In the time span of a year and a half, I have self-taught myself XHTML, CSS, PHP, SQL and some Javascript. Am I a professional web developer? No. Am I seeking a job in this field? No. But do I have the skill to do it? Why yes I do. Creating webpages is one of my favorite ways to pass time. Programming teases my brain and it's like a puzzle. Puzzles are fun. ;) Lastly, do I care about stereotypes? Hell no.
Also: I have ran Linux before, I know how to use the Terminal and I am generally well-versed in things involving technology. I call it dedication, diligence and being open minded, but you may call it girl power. =]

Cassie and Clara both believe that women are intimidated by the 'stereotypical threat'. I agree, to some extent. However, if programming is a field that you really like, you're not going to let some alpha male spook you ('least I wouldn't). Besides, us girls like competition, don't we? I sure do. Without competition, things would be awfully boring.

Peep this before I go. I thought it was neat, too bad I missed it.

- Rhonda B.