It bugged me also as a young girl and as a young woman that males seemed to be the real ones, the ones who could travel alone, the ones for whom success was natural. When I went to college, I presented myself on freshman orientation day at the office of head of the physics department, paper form in hand. He turned me away, saying, "We don't have women in physics." I walked away and took my life in a different direction. It didn't even occur to me that I could object to his pronouncement.
That's so unfair and horrid. Makes me mad. I'm so sorry that happened.
I had a similar, though much less impactful, "walking away ... didn't even occur to me" moment - probably many but one that's stuck with me. I was mad keen about football (soccer) when I was young. I was the only girl in a Saturday morning league up through 8th grade ... when that ended I was so sad. There was no girls' team. But there was a boys' team and I bet my hometown would have tried to find a way for me to be part of that team if I'd thought to say anything.
At least things are changing ... slowly and painfully ... but at least we now can recognize these barriers! It's kind of shocking what we had to put up with!
For women trying to break in during the 1960's, it took the organizing of NOW that has helped us today.
When I was at a Big Ten school, I had a scholarship taken away after my sophomore year even though I was making straight A's. I went in to find out why, and a "gentleman" told me it was because I had gotten married, and now I could support my husband who was also at the same school. I went to the dean of women who was an organizer of NOW, and I had my scholarship back in 20 minutes. I got my Masters degree from that school. Organizing helps!
Wow Linda. That was so wrong of your school but thank goodness the dean was able to help. And yes, aligning all those who care about an issue to push together makes a massive difference. Thanks for sharing.
I agree this article is brilliant. Your argument is very well thought out and backed up by studies and personal stories. You articulated so many of the things I have noticed but not put all together as a group. Keep up the fight your doing some great work here, Ms. Pighead.
Thanks Ann. I had lots more to put in there but restrained myself ... it was already a pretty long article. It was hard too to find a single thread ... maybe I will rewrite it and submit it somewhere. And I like my new nickname. Ms. Pighead, signing off.
Thanks :^) It was one of the most difficult articles I've ever written - I had so many things swirling through my head. Glad to hear you found it came off well.
It bugged me also as a young girl and as a young woman that males seemed to be the real ones, the ones who could travel alone, the ones for whom success was natural. When I went to college, I presented myself on freshman orientation day at the office of head of the physics department, paper form in hand. He turned me away, saying, "We don't have women in physics." I walked away and took my life in a different direction. It didn't even occur to me that I could object to his pronouncement.
That's so unfair and horrid. Makes me mad. I'm so sorry that happened.
I had a similar, though much less impactful, "walking away ... didn't even occur to me" moment - probably many but one that's stuck with me. I was mad keen about football (soccer) when I was young. I was the only girl in a Saturday morning league up through 8th grade ... when that ended I was so sad. There was no girls' team. But there was a boys' team and I bet my hometown would have tried to find a way for me to be part of that team if I'd thought to say anything.
At least things are changing ... slowly and painfully ... but at least we now can recognize these barriers! It's kind of shocking what we had to put up with!
Ugh Your situation Diane, makes me sad and angry at the same time.
For women trying to break in during the 1960's, it took the organizing of NOW that has helped us today.
When I was at a Big Ten school, I had a scholarship taken away after my sophomore year even though I was making straight A's. I went in to find out why, and a "gentleman" told me it was because I had gotten married, and now I could support my husband who was also at the same school. I went to the dean of women who was an organizer of NOW, and I had my scholarship back in 20 minutes. I got my Masters degree from that school. Organizing helps!
Wow Linda. That was so wrong of your school but thank goodness the dean was able to help. And yes, aligning all those who care about an issue to push together makes a massive difference. Thanks for sharing.
I agree this article is brilliant. Your argument is very well thought out and backed up by studies and personal stories. You articulated so many of the things I have noticed but not put all together as a group. Keep up the fight your doing some great work here, Ms. Pighead.
Thanks Ann. I had lots more to put in there but restrained myself ... it was already a pretty long article. It was hard too to find a single thread ... maybe I will rewrite it and submit it somewhere. And I like my new nickname. Ms. Pighead, signing off.
The perfect AT moniker!
Thanks :^) It was one of the most difficult articles I've ever written - I had so many things swirling through my head. Glad to hear you found it came off well.