Hello.
Quick introduction. My name is Alice, I'm a programmer (c/unix) and I'm
English.
This is with regard to recent posts about sexual images in the Linux
world.
I think my feelings are rooted in a childish "I don't want to be left
out".
I am all for freedom of speech - even hate mongering fascists should be
allowed to say what they like, because once it is in the open it can be
debated, and if it really is a flawed proposition, than it will fail.
I don't want to stop people saying what they think - I want them to stop
thinking it in the first place! ;)
A large part of the whole Linux/open source movement popularity is a great
sense of community - of finally not being a bullied lonely nerd, but a
proud geek. Finally, people who understand why somedays I forget to eat,
or leave the house with odd clothes on coz I just had a brain wave and
need to try it out.
It's about earning respect, getting kudos, and this is an important need
of all human beings.
Look at the other things people show on their screenshots - fancy apps,
and utils that they're trying to impress the other weenies ;) with.
"Look, I'm monitoring all attempted connections to my computer, aren't I
clever."
http://wm.themes.org/php/pic.phtml?src=shots/939317610.jpg
It's about propogating what is and isn't kewl. It's a competition. And
the feeling that I am not a person worthy of competing with - I am to be
competed over - well that hurts.
Explaining sexism to a male is really difficult, though gay/bi men will
sometimes understand if they are gorgeous.
See, for me I like a bit of a flirt, I enjoy sex, I fancy men. So why
should I feel upset when a guy makes a flirty comment? Because of the
claim that goes with it. Some guys can say "Hello love" and I will just
smile. Others, and I'll leap for the jugular. It's when I feel that the
comment has reduced me in the eyes of the person saying it that I get
upset. That by stating that I'm a girl, they eliminate me. They rid me
of challenge or threat.
It is a feeling of being denied the right to a brain. The right to have
speach worth listening to. I am claimed as a sex object.
And what really upsets me, is that it upsets me. I hate the fact that
these sexist dicks can have any effect on me. And when it happens in the
street, it's not too bad.
But when it comes at me from a geek, that group that I finally thought I
belonged to. When that place where I can reduce my guard and talk my
mind, and sure, get challenged and argued with (thank god) but as a human
being, when I see evidence of playground smut there, well it cuts deep.
It says to me that this is a closed group that I do not belong to, and
never can, and doesn't want me except as a plaything.
Should the community change so that I do not feel excluded? My first
response is yes it should change, and yes it will. I don't want to force
anyybody to change, what I want is the opportunity to show them a
different idea, and have them listen and think about my viewpoint, just as
I would do for them.
It will change, because women will become part of the audience to gain
kudos from, and those boys will have to find other ways of getting it from
us than with girlie pics.
The frustrating thing about trying to change it, is that before the
opinions are changed, I need to get listened to, but that's what I'm
aiming for! Catch 22. :(
Take heart, stay in there, remember that everything is a compromise, and
the os community is no exception.
*PLUR*
æ
--
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience
of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired,
and success achieved."
Helen Adams Keller
************
[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.linuxchix.org
