Different ways of looking at programming

People are frequently mystified by the fact that I do things with computers. From their reactions, you'd think that because I program, I'm some sort of intellectual demigod. When I talk with them a little more, it becomes clear to me that many people don't know what programming is like, so they imagine something much more difficult and specialized than it is (it turns out that your computer is not made out of magic, despite this amusing article).

As is the case with any profession, it takes a lot of work to do it right. I'm not minimizing the training that other programmers and I have received. But we're not superhuman - even if most of us claim to be.

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The problem with girl power

I’m all about empowering women. Those who know me well know this. Lots of people seem to see the same issues that I see. At least, they see some of what I see. It’s common for people to promote women’s rights in print (both physical and virtual), in movies, and in music. I’m all for it. But popular statements about girl power are frequently counterproductive to the empowerment of women.

Allow me to illustrate with some lyrics from Beyoncé, Shania Twain, and Rihanna.

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