» Five White Men Talk About Social Media

Link: » Five White Men Talk About Social Media.

This feels all too familiar to me and it saddens me that it is still an issue over 13 years after I started my first Internet company, Cybergrrl, Inc. and the first women’s Internet organization, Webgrrls International.

I remember either being the only female at the new media table or one of the tiniest handful. But it wasn’t for lack of women being on the scene and running innovative businesses in the space. It was simply the planners were in a hurry and reached out to the only people they rubbed elbows with - other men.

When I was one of 5 women in a list of 50 people recognized by Newsweek magazine in 1995 for our Internet work, I was pissed off. I asked the editors why they didn’t list more women. They said “we couldn’t find any.” All they had to do was ask. We women keep very close tabs on one another and most of us would do anything to promote another woman, often even before we promote ourselves, because we know that if one of us is out there and visible, it is a huge win for the rest of us.

I’ve been rejected by several major blogging, social media and Web conferences as a speaker in recent years (yes, I’m now in the position of having to ask/beg to speak at them). Maybe it is because this industry is often “but what have you done LATELY” and lately I moved to Alaska and had a baby.

The first Internet industry conference to finally give me a chance to re-enter the speaking circuit was BlogHer last year, and I’ll be forever grateful.

There are all sorts of “underground” initiatives to help event planners book more women speakers. Let’s help pull those efforts out of the dark corners and into the spotlight so the rest of the techie/new media/social media/blogging/virtual worlds, etc. events take notice and can’t make excuses any more.

Comments

[Mobashir Ahmed]

Human beings have come a long way but the gender bias persists. However, it seems to be on the retreat. Brave persons like you make the difference.

[aliza sherman]

Thank you for this post. I would like to also note that gender bias is not the only thing persisting. I don't usually touch on this because I'm perceived as "white," but racial bias often exists as well. While I do see a ton of diversity in the new media/Internet/tech fields, it tends to be right under the top echelon. 5 white guys are not only guys, but they are also WHITE.

[Connie Reece]

Aliza, you're right about racial bias still existing as well. Austin is a very diverse city. We not only have sizeable African-American and Hispanic populations but thriving communities of Indians and Asians drawn to our high-tech corridor. It would not have required much looking at all to find qualified people besides the "five white men."