Eva Semrad-- #HackAHairDryer

In effort to increase women's attraction to STEM work, IBM let loose a new marketing slogan and hashtag, #HackAHairDryer. This slogan offended many women, in and out of the STEM careers, but also is another prime example of "pinkwashing". "Pinkwashing" is the phenomenon of enforcing gender roles, and stereotypes, by simply editing products and positions to supposedly appeal more to women. Making Legos pink, decorating toothbrushes, blankets, and everything under the sun to look "girly" is another example of this poor approach to endorsing women's attraction.

This pinkwashing phenomenon occurs just about everywhere, and dates back to the beginning of humans where the jobs people pursue, and what they like, is based solely on what is between their legs. In American history, women have had to stay home, watch children, and cook meals. Today this standard is subtly in place, in sexism in the work place, sexist jokes, and severe pressure on women to look, act, and be a certain way. Marketers to produce pinkwashed items and slogans to win women's approval. However, this is useless, and, rather than force women and girls at young ages to accept sexist standards, people should focus more on giving confidence to women and girls, allowing them to pursue whichever careers they wish, without sacrificing their femininity, however they see it.