The most beautiful thing about being a human is that we all get to have unique opinions and preferences. Except for those who choose to do that low fade haircut combined with a beard (you all look the same). However, the downside to expressing said opinions nowadays is that it usually a reaction similar to this:
Such was the case of astrophysicist, Amber Roberts, who preferred to carry two laptops instead of one.
Astrophysicist and AI Program Director, Amber Roberts posted about her experience where she pulled out two laptops during her security checking and was apparently met with disdain from a random guy.
I am now trending on r/Iamverysmart. If anyone is curious as to why women might feel unwelcome in tech, check it out. To be clear about the guy asking about my laptops he was talking down to me using a patronizing voice, he also asked twice believing I owed him an explanation.
— Amber Roberts (@AstronomerAmber) November 20, 2018
What saddens me about the subreddit is that no one is commenting on the fact that the guy didn’t deserve an answer, but are focusing on why I don’t need two laptops. Also that there is no way “this girl” could be considered an expert in both fields. #genderbias
— Amber Roberts (@AstronomerAmber) November 20, 2018
This isn’t the first, nor will it be the last time something like this happens to me. The reason I am sharing this experience is because these are important things to keep in mind when we are trying to solve the problem of getting more women involved in tech. #womenintech
— Amber Roberts (@AstronomerAmber) November 20, 2018
Now, while Amber blamed the man for being sexist, netizens believed it was a perfectly normal question and had nothing to do with misogyny. And hence the discussion began:
Woman on Twitter: "A man scoffed at me"
Half the men on twitter: *scoffing* I bet he didn't.The irony, it burns.
— Christine Seaforth Finch ~BLM~ (@CSeaforthFinch) November 21, 2018
*I take out both of my 3ds and my Nintendo switch at airport security* Random girl: *scoffs* “What do you need 2 games for?” Me: “Well one is for my training for the upcoming Smash Bros Ultimate and the other is for my Botw relax intervals.” #priceless #Gamer #Nintendo #SmashGod
— Jeriah (@JCopple19) November 21, 2018
When you bring your limited perspective to the airport 🙄 https://t.co/RtaUW0Ttfx
— Bongani Langa (@earnfromhomedad) November 22, 2018
The random guy in question would've probably asked the same thing if you was a man @AstronomerAmber. https://t.co/NSAzLRAmfM
— Tom Rankin (@niknar84) November 22, 2018
I can easily see this happening to me even though I'm a man.
Don't be surprised when you act egotistical and get shown in a place making fun of egomaniacs https://t.co/CBXfMwmQKI— Thomas Mears and 140000 others (@ThomasMears5) November 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/thespunkyniche/status/1065435358391910400
https://twitter.com/johnmark/status/1064862973607493632
https://twitter.com/KrissieTaylor88/status/1065530612470202368
What all women deal with every day at least once regardless of whether we are an astrophysicist or a mom. #sexismsucks https://t.co/HwRnP44cvZ
— Bernadine Fox (@bernadinefox) November 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/no_one6880/status/1065346712368279553
There are multiple reports of the lack of women in STEM fields, which might be the root of that question from the random guy. Or it might be out of general curiosity and has nothing to do with question. What do you think is the case?