More thoughts on "Coder Barbie"


computer-engineer-barbie_1.jpgOn Mashable, math teacher Rebecca Zook weighs in on the whole Computer Engineer Barbie (aka Coder Barbie) "controversy" with "Why Computer Engineer Barbie Is Good for Women in Tech."

While some have embraced Coder Barbie, others have attacked the concept, saying that her pink laptop, sparkly leggings, and trendy glasses are "too feminine" to be realistic.


The critics imply that real coders aren't feminine, and feminine coders aren't real. But women shouldn't feel like they have to stop being feminine to work in technology.


[Thanks, Ed Troxell!]

Why Computer Engineer Barbie Is Good for Women in Tech


More:


Recent Entries

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: ... on March 12, 2010 at 10:17 AM

I don't know if she qualifies as feminine. I don't care. But I HATE HATE HATE her outfit. It's ugly ugly ugly. Honestly, I expect it to put more young girls off of the idea of being an engineer than attract them.


Posted by: Gareth Branwyn on March 12, 2010 at 10:28 AM

I'm sure it's all focus-grouped and little-girl tested for what they (meaning some generalized population of they) find appealing.

But yeah, I find it really horrific too, altho I'm about as far from the target demo as possible.


Posted by: Adam E on March 12, 2010 at 7:36 PM

The outfit looks more like a coder working for Disney. I know lots of women engineers and they wear dark suits or, in a more casual environment, clean jeans or khakis with appropriate tops.


Posted by: Snow on March 12, 2010 at 8:15 PM

As a "coder girl", I can say I know other coder girls wearing similar outfits. But, I don't like it either. I especially don't like her glasses. Personally, I wear either dark khakis or a long skirt. A suit when needed, of course.


Leave a comment


Subscribe to MAKE!Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now


Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out. Make: The risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things... Welcome to Make: Online!


CRAFT Maker Shed Maker Faire Makers Market




Check out more videos from MAKE.



MZ_MakingDetroit-RR.gif

MZ_MakeProjectsLibrary-RR.gif

Makezine: July is for Kids!


Connect with MAKE

Be a MAKE fan on Facebook MAKE on Facebook
Visit our Facebook page and become a fan of MAKE!
MAKE on Twitter MAKE on Twitter
Follow our MAKE tweets!
MAKE Flickr Pool MAKE on Flickr
Join our MAKE Flickr Pool!
    make_tips on Twitter



    MAKE Archives

    Makers Market
    Maker SHED
    Make: Science Room

    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Make: Online editors and authors!

    Gareth BranwynGareth Branwyn
    Editor-in-Chief


    Phillip TorronePhillip Torrone
    Senior Editor
    | Web | Twitter


    Becky SternBecky Stern
    Associate Editor
    | AIM | Twitter


    Marc de VinckMarc de Vinck
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter


    John ParkJohn Park
    Contributing Writer
    | Twitter


    Sean RaganSean Ragan
    Contributing Writer
    | Twitter


    Matt MetsMatt Mets
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter


    Dale DoughertyDale Dougherty
    Editor & Publisher
    | Twitter


    Shawn ConnallyShawn Connally
    Director of
    Digital Media
    | Twitter


    Goli MohammadiGoli Mohammadi
    Senior Editor


    Kip KayKip Kay
    Weekend Projects
    | AIM | Twitter


    Collin CunninghamCollin Cunningham
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter

    Adam FlahertyAdam Flaherty
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter


    John BaichtalJohn Baichtal
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter



    More contributors: Mark Frauenfelder (Editor-in-Chief, MAKE magazine), Kipp Bradford (Technical Consultant/Writer), Chris Connors (Education), Diana Eng (Guest Author), Peter Horvath (Intern), Brian Jepson (O'Reilly Media), Robert Bruce Thompson (Science Room)

    Suggest a Site!

    Advertise here with FM.

    Why advertise on MAKE?
    Read what folks are saying about us!

    Click here to advertise on MAKE!



    Current Podcast

    itunesdl.gif Industrial Sound Controllers Tristan Shone rolled out the 'big guns' for Maker Faire Bay Area 2010. His Industrial Sound Controllers are a musical force to be reckoned with and their sheer size and weight demand considerable attention upon seeing them firsthand. Tristan... More...

    Get the Make: Online sent via email
    Enter your email to receive Make: Online each day:



    Sign up for the Make: Newsletter

    Our Make: Newsletter covers news from maker Media, has original columns, Shed deals, and more! You can also read the archives of past issues.


     



    Make: Education
    MAKE: en EspaƱol MAKE: Japan
    Important please read


    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Recent Posts from the Craft: Blog