Girls just wanna be recognized

Here’s a challenge: think of a male mathematician. Easy? Did you think of Newton, Euclid or Turing? Now think of a female mathematician. Got one? Odds are, you have no idea.

For most of recorded history, women participation in STEM fields has been minimal, with most believing numbers and technology to be solely male interests. Thankfully, modern times has seen women’s opportunities increase in these areas. According to the National Science Foundation, for those under 29 years of age, women dominate the science and engineering workforce at 56% in the US. While this emergence of women is exciting, the idea of female absence in STEM fields is continuous, and has brought one fearful consequence.

Because women in STEM used to be an anomaly, a general agreement was created that a woman who is brave enough to endure the challenge of taking on math or engineering is strong and independent. This might be true, and empowering, but the problem lies in creating a stigma that diminishes women who turn the other way and study humanities, many of whom do not do so out of laziness or cowardice, but rather for interest and passion.

More than once, I’ve heard my girlfriends doubt whether they should study graphic design, education, or communications, all considered MMCs (Mientras me caso / While I get married) majors, in order to avoid being labeled as mediocre.

In one conversation with a particular friend, she mentioned her fear of meeting a guy of high intellect who would automatically categorize her as basic and lazy after finding out she studied psychology.

There is something wrong with women depending on their husbands to make money. There is something wrong with women who don’t care about effort if a man will do the work. But there is nothing wrong with studying what you are truly passionate about, whether it be considered an MMC or a “man’s job,” no one’s career should depend on society’s depreciating opinion.

Now here’s another challenge. Think of a male painter. Easy? Did you think of Da Vinci, Picasso or Van Gogh?

Now think of a female painter, for the purpose of this experiment, it cannot be Frida Kahlo. Got one?

Being unable to name a female mathematician or painter is not due to their lack of participation. The issue is the lack of recognition and importance that these women receive.