Week 7 Forum - Gender in Music Technology Part 1

Today we had presenters Ben Probert, Doug Loudon, Amy Sincock and Jake Morris. Ben's discussion was mainly based on the changes in the environment that each gender experiences. I agree with this argument. It make sense that the environment that we are exposed to can shape us as a person and what we are interested in.

Doug talked about the whole hunter and gatherer scenario. I do believe in this theory to some extent. It was a long time ago but the traits that we as humans have now have obviously evolved from an era a long time ago. I'm not sure it's hard to say.

Amy must have been under a lot of pressure being the only girl to present this week. She bravely said that she did music technology because it interested her and her gender had no bearing on her decision. I thought it was good for her to say that rather than complain about whether the world is sexist. I liked her point of view on why women should or shouldn't do music technology.

Jake was last and he commented on previous presenters but expanded on the topic by looking at musical lyrics. He talked about how lyrics by certain composers differ between genders if they are expressing the same point. He also played some Bjork videos, which were great.

Personally I think that if we need to discuss gender in music technology, that in itself shows that there is some division between men and women in this field. I think women are just as skilled as men but it just happens that not as many women are interested in this field than men are.[1]


[1] Ben Probert, Doug Loudon, Amy Sincock and Jake Morris. 'Music Technology Forum Presentation - EMU Space'. Lecture presented in the EMU Space, Electronic Music Unit, University Of Adelaide, 12th April 2007