I think it is fallacious to assume that because any subset is a given number in a population, that is is necessary that they be a given number in a different population.
Only 8% of the RNs in this country are males. So it must be all the misandry prevalent in the nursing field that scares off the other 42%. Only 18% of the elementary and middle school teachers in this country are males. The other 32% must be put off by the sexism of all those female teachers.
Like I said, we just have different views of the topic.
I've seen no response from PoC, so I'm going to keep going for now. Maybe they'll kill this or fork it off. As long as we stay civil and non-political, I don't think we're violating any ToS. The original question for the thread has pretty much been answered anyway. If the OP tells me to **** off, I'll do that, too.
You're right, of course. For many reasons, the goal is NOT 50% female pilots. There's lots of reasons why gender factors into career and hobby choices. Not all of them are due to unfair biases. The goal, instead, is that the opportunity is equal. So, you correctly call out that my statement of 4X not starting is accurate, but not super-relevant on its own.
The one that is the start-rate compared to the finish-rate. 11% vs. 5% says that the drop-out rate of women as pilots is double that of men. I wish I had solid data on why but I haven't seen it. Most reports I've seen relate it back to two primary causes, but they don't back it up with much data. Money and support are the noted factors. Dollars matter because women still don't make as much as men and tend to have higher expenses related to child-care. It massively shrinks the discretionary spending pool. Off-color jokes don't play into that directly.
Support is other one. Now here is where the meat is for this argument. Learning to fly is tough. Guys or girls, we need a social and support network. It's why PoA exists in the first place! Being told that if you are of the "wrong" gender, you have no business being heard, is not exactly supportive.
Timbeck, as for being offended for someone else, I'm not offended. I don't think those participating are idiot MRMers. I don't believe they beat their wives when no one is looking. Basically, I don't think they are being deliberately mean. I think they mean well and mean to be funny. And, of course, there's some circling of the wagons as I jabber on. But, where are the women who have the "right" to be offended?
They're not here. PoA is nearly all male. Our percentage is worse than the overall percentage!
So, my argument is practical, not an offense-based principles argument. I'm selfish: I'm fairly certain this is hurting me. I'm pretty sure it's hurting you, too. I know we disagree here, which is fine.
Again, PoC, some direction? Both around what's acceptable for conversation topics (should we stop talking about this) and also comments on the body of the discussion as well.
