Article - Sci-Fi Women Want Brains

Conventions of Women Scientists in Sci-fi

Women scientists who read science fiction as kids remember the experience as both encouraging and annoying.

For Genny Dazzo, who holds a doctorate in theoretical chemistry says she didn't like the simplistic characterizations of women.
They portrayed women as well-meaning but worthless. And she would have liked to see more endings that snuffed out alien bad guys using science rather than brute force.


"I wanted to see more intelligent female role models," Mitchell added. Better portrayals will please men, too, she said, since "guys like strong female protagonists."

However some woman did not mind:

Syne Mitchell, a nuclear physicistsaid getting a taste of science through science fiction helped her fit into a male-dominated field.

Mitchell, 32, found that her path as a scientist did not make her unattractive to men. In fact, she said, being the only woman in a physics class gave her favorable dating odds.

Also, women scientists found intelligent men they could talk to who were not put off by her science background. "Being one of the guys wasn't bad, when the guys weren't stupid. They weren't the best-looking guys, but brains count."


Sourced from: http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2002/09/54910