SwiftOnSecurityDec 28, 2022

Something I feel incredibly privileged in, and which many who are attacked don't get, is some minimal presumption of competency.

I mean - sure I can be wrong - but people at least try to prove it now. I remember the early days on this identity, being described as a "diversity hire" like that refuted my points.

I get to flout some orthodoxy and maintain my social capital without inquisition.

Start asking, who doesn't? And how are you acting towards people you do not fear the consequences of demeaning?

Show threadReikagal

@SwiftOnSecurity

One thing I've always said about women in tech is it's not that it's overt sexism, it's subtle, it's like your credentials get tested much more in interactions. For example:

Man: I'm in IT
Others: That's cool.

Woman: I'm in IT
Others: Oh, how would you solve problem X using technology Y.

I just ignore it now, they'll work it out that I might actually know some tech stuff when they work with me for a bit, but I'm sure as hell not going to prove myself to 'Jim the new network guy' just because he wants to know what the woman in the team is doing there (diversity hire, team admin etc...).

I too don't always have the correct answer (as there is always sooo much to learn and everyday some new thing rears its ugly head!), but at least I'm at a place I can ignore the need to prove myself to everyone I get introduced to now, by simply no longer indulging it.

Dec 28, 2022 at 7:04amWeb