Re: Re: Just a single Question for the Candidates
I don't know you are how long you have been with Debian or what your
contributions are, but are you sure that this lack of confidence isn't
due to inexperience?
I've been using debian increasingly for about 4-5 years now, and have used it
almost exclusively for the last couple. I don't think I'm especially
inexperienced. On the other hand the battle I'm currently having in installing
it onto my new laptop might suggest otherwise ;)
I observe that a number of people have commented on this thread suggesting that
one shouldn't really feel worried/intimidated/nervous about dealing with the
debian people because
a) it's hard at first for everyone (I am sure it is)
b) if you're going to worry about that you're pathetic anyway (well I disagree
with that personally, but it takes all kinds...)
I am more interested in the comments that suggest either first or (mainly)
secondhand (people's female partners and/or friends) that other women have this
experience, and that there is, as a result, a genuine "hidden" discrimination
against the average woman, that could be part of why there are so few female
debian developers (how many are there anyway - does anyone know?) By "hidden"
discrimination, I mean that although anyone who demonstrates suitable skills and
inclination can be accepted as a new developer, some (many?) women with suitable
skill and the appropriate interest believe they will have a difficult time
dealing with the hostile/scary/condescending guys, who will greatly outnumber
them. So they don't apply to become a developer, so the situation doesn't change.
Note that this situation existing doesn't mean that there necessarily are
hostile/scary/condescending guys about, and it isn't the fault of
anyone in particular. Blame it on our societies, if you like, or on our
biology, or whatever theory you subscribe to :) But the situation existing does
mean that if people want to do something about it, saying "well I treat everyone
the same" may not mean very much, because you are treating everyone the same in
a situation that inherently, for reasons beyond your control, favours one group
of people (men) over another group (women). In that situation, if you want
things to change, you may have to consider altering your tactics somewhat. I
suggest that being aware that the problem exists is a good start :)
Helen.
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