Seriously I Wonder Why I Blog Sometimes.
Because I seem to inadvertently offend people I care about all the time. I didn't think my PR comment-- as covered on ValleyWag-- needed explanation because everyone standing around me (some in PR) found it just as offensive.
It's not that I don't want to be "mistaken" for a PR person or that I feel I am somehow "above" them. It's the idea that women's only possible place in the tech world is as a pretty face to charm male press into writing about them. It's not only offensive to me-- it's offensive to genuinely talented PR professionals who happen to be attractive women!!
My sincerest apologies to any PR friends I offended, but that bit of sexism has been almost a cliche joke in the Valley for a long time-- reviled by smart women in every aspect of the Valley, PR included. I'd be just as offended if someone said to me, "Oh, you must be an on camera repoter." I am an on camera reporter-- it's not a position I'm ashamed of-- but the implication is my only attribute is the way I look. Thought my meaning was understood.
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Sarah Lacy is an award-winning reporter who has covered high-growth entrepreneurship for more than fifteen years. She is the founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of PandoDaily.com, the site-of-record for the startup ecosystem. She lives in San Francisco.
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Hi Sarah,
I am a business owner in NZ and sometimes feel exactly what you feel - I was once basically treated like the secretary of my own company and it killed me.
Not that I have anything against secretaries, but you're right, it's the insinuation not the job title that's offensive.
I suspect a lot of women where you are feel the same - I've definitely talked to at least one more who was offended by a similar situation.
All the best,
Nat
Posted by: Natalie Ferguson | July 30, 2008 at 07:39 PM
To misquote the great bard: "The lads doth protest too much, methinks".
A defensive reaction, perhaps?
1. The original was offensive.
2. You had every right to point it out and you did so reasonably.
3. No need to apologise.
Posted by: Y and Proud | July 31, 2008 at 02:10 AM
With all due respect, I have to agree with 'Y and Proud.' Not sure why an apology is needed. People who took offense should chill out. Life's too short to get worked up over nothing.
Posted by: Shafqat | July 31, 2008 at 07:00 AM
i hear what you guys are saying, but if i hurt someone's feelings who i care about explaining myself more clearly isn't a big deal
Posted by: sarah lacy | July 31, 2008 at 12:45 PM