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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Brotopia summary
Emily Chang
Breaking Up the Boys’ Club of Silicon Valley
16 mins
Brief summary
Brotopia by Emily Chang is a non-fiction book that shines light on the Silicon Valley's sexist culture. It explores the gender discrimination and harassment prevalent in tech and offers solutions to overcome gender bias.
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Brotopia
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Computer programmers used to be women until a report in the 1960s changed everything.
What does a typical computer programmer look like? The first image that comes to mind is probably a nerdy-looking man who’s terrible in social situations but excellent at dealing with numbers. This stereotype, however, is in massive contrast to the reality of the early days of computing.
During the first part of the twentieth century, working with computers was considered a clerical job – like typing or operating a switchboard – and thus deemed “women’s work.” In other words, the first computer programmers were women.
It should come as no surprise to learn that women programmed the first computer for the US Army during WWII. Or that rear admiral Grace Hopper – who held a PhD in mathematics – programmed Mark I, a computer at Harvard University which helped in the development of the atomic bombs that would be dropped on Japan in 1945.
Another thing that many people don’t know is that astronaut John Glenn’s successful orbit of the earth in 1962 was made possible by the work of three female NASA mathematicians. The lack of recognition for their contribution inspired the 2016 film Hidden Figures.
Then, in 1967, an article titled “The Computer Girls” was published in Cosmopolitan magazine. The piece contained an interview with Hopper, who compared programming to organizing a dinner party. She said that women made good programmers because of their patience and attention to detail.
But sometime in the 1960s came a report that claimed men were better suited to programming.
Unsurprisingly, the report was written by two men, psychologists William Cannon and Dallis Perry, who were hired by a software company to characterize the perfect computer programmer. Of the 1,378 programmers they interviewed, only 186 were female. After their research, Cannon and Perry concluded one key trait was that they “didn’t like people.” By connecting good programming skills with antisocial behavior and introversion, the ideal employee was more likely to be male on account of men being three times more likely to receive the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder.
Since the release of that report, the industry was persuaded to hire antisocial men. Their dominance in the field has led to the false assumption that the majority of programmers should be men.
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What is Brotopia about?
Brotopia (2018) explores the male-dominated culture permeating the technology industry and looks at why and how women are excluded from it. Looking especially at Silicon Valley and the companies based there, the book argues that the tech world is anything but progressive.
Brotopia Review
Brotopia (2018) by Emily Chang explores the dark underbelly of Silicon Valley's male-dominated culture and sheds light on gender disparities within the tech industry. Reasons to read this important book:
- It offers a critical examination of the tech industry's pervasive sexism, revealing the challenges faced by women and minorities.
- Through in-depth research and interviews with industry insiders, Chang uncovers the systemic biases that perpetuate inequality in Silicon Valley.
- The book inspires readers to push for positive change and provides a roadmap for creating a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
Best quote from Brotopia
The first program for a computer was written by Ada Lovelace in 1840.
—Emily Chang
Who should read Brotopia?
- Those who work or want to work in the tech industry
- Female employees who believe they are unfairly mistreated in the workplace
- Tech company CEOs and managers
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Brotopia FAQs
What is the main message of Brotopia?
Brotopia sheds light on the gender imbalances and toxic culture within the tech industry.
How long does it take to read Brotopia?
Reading time for Brotopia varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Brotopia a good book? Is it worth reading?
Brotopia is a revealing read that explores the dark side of Silicon Valley and the importance of addressing gender inequality in tech.
Who is the author of Brotopia?
The author of Brotopia is Emily Chang.
What to read after Brotopia?
If you're wondering what to read next after Brotopia, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
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- Unstoppable Brain by Kyra Bobinet
- Lean UX by Jeff Gothelf
- Words on the Move by John McWhorter
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- Made You Look by Carmen Simon
- The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan
- The Accidental Superpower by Peter Zeihan
- Civilizations by Mary Beard