Positive Role Models

In one of my Gender and Computerization classes we mentioned two IT females from television programs-- Abby from NCIS and Garcia from Criminal Minds.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ncis/

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/criminal_minds/

I personally adore Abby from NCIS. I love that she is promoting that a female is above and beyond capable of working in such a difficult and an intelligent field and I also enjoy how she is also promoting that it's completely okay to be yourself and still work for the government without having to conform to society's expectations. I'm all for that.

But the question was brought up as to if these characters are really possible role models and if they will improve the perception of the IT field? I say yes to both. Both Abby and Garcia are extremely smart in each show and excel in their fields. They are also rewarded for it as well. They are not looked down upon by the men in the show. All of these things are very positive. As for improving the perception of the field... I think that both characters make the IT field look very fun. They are not doing some droning job that they hate and they are definitely not hermity people that hide in their computers and are incapable of social interaction. Abby and Garcia are fun, social, adorable, and quirky. Traits that would indeed help pull in females to the IT field. They beat down the stereotype and make the IT field a little more glamorous.