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As usual, we began our discussion of Part I of Wired Women on e-mail. The following is the text of my first posting and the responses from other members of the class. I also conducted a survey on computer use and collected responses to it.
Bonnie's posting:
For our e-discussion of Cherny I'd like to concentrate on the Borsook and Coyle essays. After reading Borsook I decided to take a look at the on-line version of Wired. I browsed a bit in the latest version, but didn't find anything too interesting until I reached the archive, which is where I'd like you all to go: http://wwww.wired.com/wired/5.04/girlgames/ff_girlgames.html This is an article written by someone of unknown gender (no first name only an initial) about computer games for little girls. It's a bit long, but please at least glance at it and respond in light of Coyle's essay, particularly page 48 where she writes "What would games be like if we designed them with a female audience in mind? Would they be like the Barbie computer game where Barbie gets new outfits and learns to be a fashion model? Or could we conceive of a game where a clever woman saves the world for all humankind? Unfortunately, even our fantasies for women are based on lowered expectations."
I was also very interested in Coyle's opening, which discusses how men and women feel about technology. I am very much like the daughter Coyle refers to who was an excellent driver but had no interest in internal combustion. I use many machines, but for the most part, I don't worship them--they are a means to an end and some are fun. When I was about six, I received two great Christmas presents: a yellow dump truck and a baby doll. I loved them both. Then I grew up. Now I have my own backhoe. I can't say that I love it like I loved that dump truck, but it sure is fun. But I don't know how to fix it and I don't want to know how. I can't tell you a thing about its specs or explain how the hydraulics work. And I'm OK with that. The pleasure is in the use of it and what I can accomplish with it. As I read the "Wired" article about girl games, I wondered, as I often do, how many of the preferences expressed by these girls are simply a result of socialization-- a very limiting socialization for both sexes.
How do you all feel about using technology--computer or otherwise? Why do you think you hold these views? How much does gender have to do with it? Socialization? Peer pressure?
Susan's response:
I don't know the principles of internal combustion either, but _somebody_ has to build and fix engines. Is Coyle suggesting that women shouldn't _want_ to do such a thing? Equivalent somehow to the idea that women shouldn't _want_ to (quoting an old SCTV episode) "blow 'em up real good"? I'm not sure. I'm getting pretty good at fixing computers--it's either that or wait until Technology Services deigns to pick up the phone.
How do I feel about using technology? I think I need to know a little more about how you're defining technology here. Do you mean male-identified technology, like cars and guns? Or science stuff? I was intrigued by Beato's (it's a guy) description of the differences between girls and boys playing with transformers--"whereas boys are apt to use them as a means of demonstrating mastery, concentrating on the ability to transform them as quickly as possible, girls focus on their magical quality, taking delight in the fact that the toy has a secret." This seems, of all the examples he offered, to be most ambiguous as far as the nature/nurture origin goes. But the rest of his article focused primarily on how little girls should have girl-stereotyped games just like little boys have always had _their_ games. Unfortunately, in a market-driven economy, it's the way things are, rather than the way they should be, or could be, that drives production. I was dismayed though, by his conclusion that "if the product's intended audience likes it, and if it introduces them to the world of technology, then why complain?" Introduces them to technology?
Vicki's response:
I looked at the WIRED site and article with interest. I can't help feeling, thinking, that the only real thing driving WIRED, game companies,any company is the old bottom line. If WIRED can make money catering to men, then that's what they'll do until ad sales drop and they have to expand the market. Game companies are going to invest in whatever sells, whatever makes the profit, be it Barbie or some kind of verbally and emotionally complex "by the moonlit bay" game. Well, that's my rant on Capitalism for the day.
It's hard for me to say if, how, why girls and boys are different (other than the obvious) since I have been socialized since birth, since I'm continually bombarded with images and messages from the media about all this. I can say as a child I liked what I liked, which included my Easy-Bake Oven and my pet worms. Big, heady issues again, thought I'm glad there are anthologies like WIRED WOMEN to raise these issues.
About technology. I'd love to be able to fix a computer, but I
just never had the time or inclination to learn. I'm not good
at diagrams, maps, schematics, and I'm not too graceful when it
comes to tearing things apart or putting things together. I learned
through experience what I can do well, and what I can't. I don't
think it has anything to do with my socialization as a woman,
but I can't say for certain.
Before class I also asked participants to complete an e-mail survey and return it to me rather than to the listserv. I gave the same survey to students in my 266C class and then combined the survey and responses in a file with the names of the respondents removed. Of course, as Susan guessed, my reason for keeping the responses anonymous was to see if the students could glean any gender clues from the responses. Before completing the survey Susan wrote:
I'm unsure whether you are asking for a narrative, or a "just the facts, ma'am" reply. Of course, now it occurs to me that you didn't specify because you're curious whether the responses are gendered, which will make me self-conscious, at which point Heidigger kicks in . . . . Ah, well, here goes.
Some students typed in comments about the responses on their copy of the survey. Those comments are reproduced below as insertion comments and end-of-survey notes. During class discussion, students noted that the responses seemed, for the most part, linked more to the age and experience level of the respondents rather than to gender. Students guessed that the less technically oriented responses had been given by the undergraduates. The genders of the respondents are listed at the bottom of this page.
A)
Describe your computer: The computer I have is a IBM Aptiva. It
is about a year old. I also have a ink jet laser printer for windows
that was purchased with it. It has all the new stuff, color imaging,
built in windows 95, microsoft office, ect....
Why do you own a computer: I own a computer because it is convient
here at college. It allows me to compelet homework assignments
and connect to the internet. My parents purcased it because they
believed it would help me suceed in college. I don't know about
it being the soul source of my sucess, but it really has helped!
Why did you select this computer: I choose a IBM because I believe
that the software and other compatiable opitions are more advanced
than Mac's. It was also very simple to use, and suggested by everyone
I know!
Jeff's response: The details suggest a 266 student
(love the 'soul source'). 'New stuff' vs. the point-by-point fetishization.
Susan's response:soul source of my sucess--I love this! "soul source" Imagine how this fits in with Haas. And with Birkerts.
Suggested by everyone I know--most people seem to use a computer guru.
B)
1. Describe your computer: I have an IBM that is about a year old.
2. Why do you own a computer? My parents bought me a computer as a graduation present so I could have a computer to take to college with me. I use it for papers and e-mail purposes.
3. Why did you select this computer? My parents selected this
computer for me because they have found that IBM's are the best
computers. My dad has at least ten computers and they are all
IBM's.
Jeff's response:Again, sounds like 266, and again, 'a computer,' not a hot rod w/ all the components.
Susan's response:computer guru again, this time her(?) dad. Uses it for the same things a Brothers WP and the telephone used to do.
C)
1.Describe your computer(s).
One computer is a U.S. Tech PC. It has a 1.2 GB hard drive. It
has 16 MB of RAM. There is a 24.4 modem. A sound card. There is
a 4x CD Rom drive. A single 3.5 floppy drive. A 14" color
monitor. I am running the devil, I mean Windows 95.
The other is an old NEXT computer that my fiance and I are currently
working on rebuilding. We have been too busy to do anything yet.
We have a nice shell right now.
Susan's response:computer guru again, this time
her(?) dad. Uses it for the same things a Brothers WP and the
telephone used to do.
2. Why do you own a computer?
I use my computer for school, work, and personal
purposes. I use it to type papers for school. I work with a distance
learning program that teaches high school students Calculus over
the internet. I do a lot of my grading and email writting at home.
For personal purposes, I use it for email, games, and various
other programs.
Susan's response:sounds like someone who's very
comfortable with the technology--makes it do what she(?) wants
to get done
3. Why did you select this computer(s)?
The PC was bought for me for Christmas by my dad
(with my fiance's help, for my dad doesn't know much about computers,
but is learning).
The NEXT's were thrown out by UTS when the converted
the Math Computer Lab to MACs. They were cleaned out of memory,
etc., so for them to be any use, you have to rebuild them yourself.
NEXTs run x-Windows really well, which is helpful for computer
programming.
Jeff's response: Not a 266 student, and so more conscious of the hardware. Also, computers as hobby, and a shared activity.
Susan's response:again, a guru. or two.
D)
1) Describe your computer(s).
A Micron (PC) with CD and floppy and 28.8 modem
2) Why do you own a computer?
Primarily word processing (originally bought one for that) --
but now email and web research.
3) Why did you select this computer(s)?
Wanted one that wouldn't become obsolete instantly. Knew the Mac
was going down the tubes.
Jeff's response: Some hardware description, but probably not a "techie."
Susan's response:computer mythology--know Mac was going down the tubes.
E)
1) Describe your computer(s).
i) HP Pavilian PC with 166 MHZ & 16 Megabites RAM with 28
800 Speed Modem; 17 IBM Trinitron inch screen
ii) Apple Powerbook 165
2) Why do you own a computer?
-word processing, web stuff, email, etc.
3) Why did you select this computer(s)?
The powerbook was given to me by my father-in-law. I love it 'cuz
it's tiny & portable.
I bought the PC because I wanted a faster piece of hardware w/
a faster modem etc. and a big colour screen that would be gentle
on my eyes.
Jeff's response: Shouldn't that be 'luv it 'cuz'? Computer as comfy.
F)
1) Describe your computer(s).
At home, our computer system consists of a Macintosh Quadra 610
with a 68040 25 MHz processor, 16 MB of hard RAM (which I double
with a program called RamDoubler), a 320 MB hard drive, and an
internal 2X CD-ROM drive. Peripherals include external stereo
speakers, a 14-inch color monitor, a 14.4K-baud external modem,
and an Apple Color Stylewriter 2400.
For work, I use an Apple PowerBook 520c with a 68040 33/66 MHz
processor, a passive matrix screen, 20 MB of hard RAM (which I
double with a program called RamDoubler), a 320 MB hard drive,
and an internal 19.2K-baud modem. Peripherals include a Zip drive,
external stereo speakers, a 2X CD-ROM drive, an HP LaserJet 5MP
printer, and a 14-inch color monitor.
>2) Why do you own a computer?
Good grief! I'll try to list some of the main reasons:
To give my kids an educational tool (and advantage);
To use productivity tools at home (word processing, spreadsheet for budget);
For entertainment (computer games);
To write up research (I've composed two books and numerous articles online);
To conduct research on humanities computing;
'Cause I'm a gear freak (I've got a lot of camping gear, too);
For instruction;
For communication and collaboration with colleagues.
>3) Why did you select this computer(s)?
I bought my first Mac because a friend recommended it and because my nephew got one first--and I liked it. I bought the Quadra when an older Mac died; the Quadra was the best Mac I could afford. I bought the PowerBook because I have to work so many places--office, home, classrooms, library, other campuses, the MLA office in NYC--on the same tasks, and I got tired of not knowing where my data was.
G)
Computer at home
A Macintosh LC III, 3 1/2 years old, connected to a 15" monitor,
HP B&Wink-jet printer, U.S. Robotics 14.4 modem and a Zip
drive.
I had returned to teaching the year before as an adjunct, after
20 years as an antiques dealer and architectural painter. I used
some of the money I made that quarter teaching three 110Ws at
OSU Mansfield and two 100s (Basic Writing) at Ashland University
(not an atypical adjunct schedule, I'm afraid) to buy this computer,
primarily for word processing. However, being able to talk tech
and its relationship to writing with the writing program administrator
resulted in OSU offering me a job as new Writing Center Coordinator
the following fall. My experiences since, reading, writing, listening,
teaching, working in the Center, this class (especially this class!),
make my earlier talk seem simplistic and naive. I now use it for
word processing, keeping my husband's antique shop books, e-mail,
and page development.And because it's fun.
Why this one? I've been an Apple fan and user since 1985. I admire
the ethos of the company, and I believe that Macs don't provide
as many hoops to jump through as IBMs and their control codes
do. I know this is saying,"I want my technology to be transparent,"
and I guess, when I'm using it, I do.
Computer at School
Mac Performa 6300, 15" monitor, networked to the Writing
Center printers and to the outside world (e-mail, Internet, gopher,
etc.)
I "own" this computer because it is an essential part
of my work. Rarely a day goes by that I don't use it for class
prep, e-mail, Writing Center work(records, admin., materials development,
etc.), Internet (I'm not arecreational surfer, but there's lots
of stuff out there I can use), updating the campus web page, or
the Center's, etc.
I didn't select this one--I just told Technology Services that
I needed a Mac with at least 16MG RAM that was fast and could
do more multitasking that the Performa 475s in the Writing Center,
and they picked it out. I wish it had a bigger screen.
H)
I have three computers: an old 286 desktop (my first computer),
a laptop, and a brand new 486 desktop. All are IBM platform (which
explains a good part of why I find learning the mirror site so
difficult, because the 307 computers are Mac and I have never
been comfortable with Mac). My 286 has 3.0 and Word Perfect 5.1,
and both of the others have Windows 95 and Word 6. My printer
is a wonderful old workhorse called an HP-IIP, a letter-quality
laserjet that keeps on going.
I own a computer because it makes writing (and storing one's writing)
a lot easier, and also because I am an email junkie.
I selected the 286 because it was 1991 and I was under the guidance
of my first computer guru: a friend named Judy back in LA. Although
386's were out, I decided to save the bucks and get a 286: after
all, how fast did things need to be? Four years later I got the
laptop because I knew I needed a better computer, and I got that
particular one because I liked the feel of the keyboard. Then
last October, when my 286 finally died (I didn't know hard drives
had a limited shelf life!), I selected my current desktop on the
basis of some advice from my new computer guru: don't buy a proprietary
machine. I had indeed had massive problems with my laptop, and
with a "proprietary" machine like that (one in which
all the components that come with the machine are literally soldered
onto the same motherboard), if you have a problem, you have to
take the whole thing in (losing the use of it completely) and
replace the whole motherboard. Fresh from that experience with
my laptop, wherein I lost it for literally a MONTH while the new
motherboard was (slowly) shipped and (finally) installed, when
I bought my current computer I "just said no" to proprietary
systems--with the result that I now have a computer with everything
I need on it, and if one element breaks, why, I just get a new
one, not a whole new 'puter!
I)
My computer is a Epson 660C Action Note Laptop 486/66 with 8 mg.
of RAM and a 380 mg hard drive. It came preinstalled with windows,
Claris Works and a bunch of other stuff I haven't used much. I
bought a 14.4 modem and an 4x external CD Rom player (no sound
card) that run on PCMCIA cards.
I bought it because it's portable. It was the latest technology
for what I could afford.
I own a computer basically for word processing. When I get out
of grad. school, I'll use it for internet access, desktop publishing,
etc.
Vicki's response:
Some additional notes:
My first computer was a "homemade" IBM compat with 10mg
of hard drive and a 5 1/4 floppy. I used it primarily for word
processing and as a grade book. Around 1992-93 I bought a used
386 laptop with 80mg harddrive, 4mg of RAM and a tiny black and
white screen because I wanted to take my writing, gradebook with
me to school and out of town. I wouldn't be without a laptop now,
but I wish the technology and cost were more in line with the
bigger computers. I'm looking at the new laptops with envy. I
want full multi-media, and a faster modem. As I work more in the
computer lap, I've also come to appreciate how the mouse makes
word so much easier, and how nice it is to look at one's work/data
on a big screen. The larger keyboard is also nice, but not a huge
consideration. In the best of both worlds, I'd use a high-powered
laptop as a docking station, then add an external keyboard, mouse,
and at least a 14" monitor.
Andrea's response
Hm . . . Some people talk of relationships--family members influencing
their choics etc. Still others write of bells and whistles, cataloguing
the works, or a combination of the two. People's lack of elaboration
as to why they own a computer suggests that they take it largely
for granted. Some people seem to be frustrated at being powerless
about the market (how quick stuff gets obsolute) and the insides
of a computer -- having to purchase a whole new thing when the
hard drive bites. I was struck by the brand loyalty to Apple or
the anti-Apple thing.
Paul's response: I think it's curious how many people bought
their computers with the help of other family members. And of
course there's the usual comparisons of Mac and PC and obsolescence.
I didn't get why there was all that stuff about NEXT, which I
only heard about recently when Apple bought them out.
SHOBANA:
My response to the above exercise:
general impressions:
one, most people use at home ibm and macs at work.
most people have computers so that they can work form home.
most people consulted friends and relatives.
people with any knowledge or with friends or relatives with any knowledge of computers are actively involved in the building process. they talk both about the hardware and software, invariably in great detail.people who brought the 'standard' shop models talked more about the software.
often a gift. lot of personal value attached to it.cost that big an issue, though people mention it.
saw no gender divide. especially wiht those who had garage built computers, lot of sharing of info. sense of everyone learning all the time.
computers seemed for some part to function as a writing tool.
since you don't specially ask them that question, so one can't
tell much.
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