[Womoz] Mirror Neurons

[Majken Connor]

In a completely unrelated activity today I came across Kathy Sierra's blog.
I'm part way through this particular post
http://headrush.typepad.com/creating_passionate_users/2006/04/angrynegative_p.htmlbut
I wanted to share it because I feel that it explains my philosophies
in
a much more educated and non-confrontational way than I would.

The section on mirror neurons explains exactly why I feel so strongly about
not dwelling on the group of men who may be sexist. It also explains why
many people avoid identifying as feminist (we all know the stereotype) and I
think it also explains why many women's groups haven't been successful in
creating change - they get bogged down in wanting to hold men accountable
instead of discussing solutions.

I feel very strongly that if we want to create change we need to focus on
who's doing it right, how they're doing it right, and getting others to do
it right (ourselves included). Of course there's value in knowing how
something can go wrong, so that you can see those things coming and have a
plan on how to head them off, but I think that's secondary once the right
way has been established.

The gossip example is interesting, and along the same lines as some things
I've seen on the mailing list. One woman (sorry I've forgotten who) says she
finds herself being more rude etc in different company.  I think this
applies mostly in situations where it's an activity we would participate in
if it weren't for delayed consequences - in the gossip example it would be
realizing how the subject would feel. E.g. I don't enjoy smoking
cigarettes.  When I'm with a group of smokers I don't find myself smoking
for the hell of it. I've certainly had a few drinks too many when with a
group though.

I know I'm not innocent (by any means) of being negative, and I also don't
believe in ignoring the negative aspects of something - if a design won't
work, you can't fix it if you only acknowledge what works - and sometimes
clear communication requires being negative, but certainly I have a lot less
success at what I'm trying to achieve when I'm angry.

Hope you guys enjoy the read, too.
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