Re:Some questions from a fellow nerd - my example (Score 1)

Now I really wonder how I got interested in computers...My parents aren't into playing with computers (we didn't have one for years & years, and when we did I didn't use it). I have maybe one friend (but she's a good one) who I can talk to about cs stuff.

So, just using myself as an example, how did I (female! wow! And look- she's learning C++ - and likes it!) get interested in this stuff? I do believe in supportive family and schools. Everyone encouraged me to do as much as I could with math. People don't make fun of me for liking math, or technology, or computers. I guess I'm lucky that way:-) And when I began to see the possibilities in computers, I wasn't discouraged by anyone...I don't think they really understood why I was interested, but they didn't think it was ridiculous. Guys don't put me down. Hmmm.

Anyway, the point of this post: I can't think of a specific way in which I was really discouraged or encouraged to get involved with computers. I did it myself. I was supported by my family and friends to do whatever I wanted, even if they didn't understand it, but no one said things like "wouldn't you like me to show you how this works?". Does this mean more girls would be in cs if they really wanted to? Well, I was also raised in an environment of contempt for prevailing attitudes of society, like the idea that girls aren't good at math. Perhaps I'm just less affected by other people's opinions (sometimes I think this would be a trait worth developing in children).

I am willing to believe that there are less women than men with the right mindset for cs, period. But this doesn't mean that all those with an interest, and not just people like me who apparently aren't affected by societal attitudes, will actually get involved in any way with computers, until they get support from other people.

Lily