I know (hope) this comment was made in jest, and I don't have an interest in starting up a "women in tech" flamewar, but this kind of comment really gets me. XKCD (http://xkcd.com/322/) has a good comic about this, as usual.
"Joking" about how there are not any women who enjoy your hobbies just perpetuates the stereotype. And once learning about how awesome this woman is, what is the follow up comment? Wondering if she has any sisters, presumably so you can marry someone who looks like her.
Wouldn't a much better comment be "Wow, someone who codes SVMs, listens to Ulver, and reads 18th century literature? Sounds like my ideal girlfriend."
Wouldn't a much better comment be "Wow, someone who codes SVMs, listens to Ulver, and reads 18th century literature? Sounds like my ideal girlfriend."
I have never in my life met a woman who knows what an SVM is, or who Ulver is. Why should I get jumped on for wishing that I had? Who said anything about looks? Also, generally speaking, saying that somebody else's girlfriend sounds like your ideal girlfriend is considered a little too forward.
>Wondering if she has any sisters, presumably so you can marry someone who looks like her.
The implication is that the admired facet in the first sister is that sought in the other sister(s). Familial traits and all.
>Wouldn't a much better comment be "Wow, someone who codes SVMs, listens to Ulver, and reads 18th century literature? Sounds like my ideal girlfriend."
That's pretty much what he said unless you're trying to misread his intention to start a flamewar IMO.
Often when someone says "I don't have an interest in [something antisocial], but" then they expressly have that interest.
Does she have sisters?