“What? You’re going to turn the site into a video game?”
“Yeah. We think old women will like that.”
Old? Video games? I wanted to kill him. So I said, “I think you have autism.”
My goodness, a completely appropriate response. It'd be interesting to see how many women in that age demographic actually play video games. My money is on less than 10%. So, it'd be completely useless. Faceplam.
Five years ago, your consultation helped me initiate my first step to moving across the country into a place filled with investors. I pondered leaping into the VC world as a woman, either as a founder or investor. After reading this article you've written and shared, I understand the dynamics. My understanding of the obstacles is clearer, and I appreciate you for that. Thanks!
This post gave me an overwhelming sense of sadness.
It showed me that people do not change, situations do not change and motivations do not change until you somehow game the system and compel the aforementioned into seeing the change as beneficial to the individual with the upper hand... the gate keeper. I'm African-American and experience this all the time. The establishment is not made up of bad people, they/we are just blind to who we are, and what we do, and how this differs from who we think we are and who we want to be.
It's so true that people in power only change when it will help them. I appreciate you bringing up how constant this experience is for African-Americans. Being blind to other peoples' experience is such a barrier to humanity. We could do so much better.
This was very important for me to read, thank you! I am an older woman founder that is looking for funding for my tech startup. It’s great to know how I need to present myself.
Penelope, let me know if you’re interested in being a partner in my venture or at least a consultant.
"Because I hate you " is such a wonderful potent phrase! It would make a great tattoo but I already have a similar one. It's also a good way to end long-winded arguments!
“We’re going to gamify the interface.”
“What? You’re going to turn the site into a video game?”
“Yeah. We think old women will like that.”
Old? Video games? I wanted to kill him. So I said, “I think you have autism.”
My goodness, a completely appropriate response. It'd be interesting to see how many women in that age demographic actually play video games. My money is on less than 10%. So, it'd be completely useless. Faceplam.
Five years ago, your consultation helped me initiate my first step to moving across the country into a place filled with investors. I pondered leaping into the VC world as a woman, either as a founder or investor. After reading this article you've written and shared, I understand the dynamics. My understanding of the obstacles is clearer, and I appreciate you for that. Thanks!
Penny,
This post gave me an overwhelming sense of sadness.
It showed me that people do not change, situations do not change and motivations do not change until you somehow game the system and compel the aforementioned into seeing the change as beneficial to the individual with the upper hand... the gate keeper. I'm African-American and experience this all the time. The establishment is not made up of bad people, they/we are just blind to who we are, and what we do, and how this differs from who we think we are and who we want to be.
My2centsworth,
D
It's so true that people in power only change when it will help them. I appreciate you bringing up how constant this experience is for African-Americans. Being blind to other peoples' experience is such a barrier to humanity. We could do so much better.
This was very important for me to read, thank you! I am an older woman founder that is looking for funding for my tech startup. It’s great to know how I need to present myself.
Penelope, let me know if you’re interested in being a partner in my venture or at least a consultant.
TD Graham
Well, my advice is get a male cofounder ;)
Will do. Love you Penelope!
"Because I hate you " is such a wonderful potent phrase! It would make a great tattoo but I already have a similar one. It's also a good way to end long-winded arguments!