When just trying to get through airport security while being a woman becomes a topic of conversation.
Tuesday, Astrophysicist and AI program Director, Amber Roberts pointed out how incredibly frustrating it can be simply existing as a woman in the world.
Roberts was going through airport security when she had to unload her two laptops. Not a big deal, it happens, but a man standing nearby felt he had to question Roberts as to why she needed two laptops. Roberts posted the exchange and the social media reactions to point out some of the challenges women in tech face on a daily basis.
*I take out both of my laptops at airport security* Random guy: *scoffs* “What do you need 2 laptops for?” Me: “Wel… https://t.co/l4msx2G0Ug— Amber Roberts (@Amber Roberts)1542661125.0
I am now trending on r/Iamverysmart. If anyone is curious as to why women might feel unwelcome in tech, check it ou… https://t.co/Cwcfy11EqX— Amber Roberts (@Amber Roberts)1542680809.0
What saddens me about the subreddit is that no one is commenting on the fact that the guy didn’t deserve an answer,… https://t.co/tUX1mLb5d7— Amber Roberts (@Amber Roberts)1542686047.0
This isn’t the first, nor will it be the last time something like this happens to me. The reason I am sharing this… https://t.co/RGUSZbswMl— Amber Roberts (@Amber Roberts)1542686183.0
After all this, still many didn't get it.
@AstronomerAmber Might have been a genuine question.....you’re a clever girl, but why did you need to post this?— maurice vizard (@maurice vizard)1542795315.0
@draziv @AstronomerAmber “clever girl” ... Exactly why she posted this.— room for improvement (@room for improvement)1542801204.0
Lots of men using their personal experience to negate her experience.
@ClydeSteel @Aurum97579520 Its 100% correct its got nothing to do with her being a woman its that having, and espec… https://t.co/XLKP1r4Ddt— Josh Williams (@Josh Williams)1542813791.0
@nerd_named_josh @WatershedMktg @ClydeSteel @Aurum97579520 I’ve also been a guy my whole life, and have also been a… https://t.co/PA3joGUw1X— Denton Holmgren (@Denton Holmgren)1542814938.0
@dentonholmgren @nerd_named_josh @WatershedMktg @ClydeSteel @Aurum97579520 I have the laptop, but also two phones.… https://t.co/UKATk28ayp— François Caron 🇨🇦 (@François Caron 🇨🇦)1542816100.0
You're experience is not the barometer for everyone else.
@Milnoc @dentonholmgren @nerd_named_josh @WatershedMktg @ClydeSteel @Aurum97579520 For all of you, the whole “that’… https://t.co/r6ekbA3rgP— Norway Jose (@Norway Jose)1542823016.0
@AstronomerAmber Please notice all of the women on here praising and agreeing, and most of the guys are agreeing wi… https://t.co/feGYnpFkFk— Mrs Springsteen (@Mrs Springsteen)1542795375.0
Some women shared their own experience.
@AstronomerAmber @scotianselkie Hats off to you girl. In my youth I was a certified commercial diver, doing Oceanog… https://t.co/5osh60Y8vq— Daniellapets (@Daniellapets)1542793118.0
Many had her back and got it.
@AstronomerAmber I find it deeeeeeeply ironic that there's dudebros in this thread assuming you don't know how comp… https://t.co/yUk622YZ1m— K (@K)1542726097.0
I take out enough computers and gadgets to assemble Devastator every time I fly and no-one has ever said a word, be… https://t.co/WppxmxtYfY— Second-handtrinos (@Second-handtrinos)1542719109.0
I carry 2 laptops all the time - because I have work work and personal work that I keep separate. Nobody has ever a… https://t.co/IHZRZ8Agct— Joahn Maerk, the lost Stark cousin (@Joahn Maerk, the lost Stark cousin)1542718091.0
Hilarious. You can never talk about gender bias without a bunch of dudes climbing into your mentions screaming "IT'… https://t.co/64cGTL2vdQ— Joahn Maerk, the lost Stark cousin (@Joahn Maerk, the lost Stark cousin)1542737756.0
H/T: Twitter Moments