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From: snafu@ihuxi.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.women
Subject: Re: Home Computer Commercials
Message-ID: <609@ihuxi.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 24-Oct-83 11:49:31 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihuxi.609
Posted: Mon Oct 24 11:49:31 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 25-Oct-83 22:28:08 EDT
References: <2582@teklabs.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Western Electric, Naperville Il.
Lines: 34

With respect to home computer commercials showing only males - not
entirely true. Last night I noticed an add by TI with large print
stating (as close a quote as I can remember), "If your child doesn't
have a computer, she may not grow up to be president." Underneath, in
smaller print was: "Thats right, now girls have the same chance as
boys to be president....."

My gripe is, 1) where do they get off implying that parents are
mistreating their kids if they don't buy a computer? Ever see the
commercial with little Johnny flunking out of college 'cause he didn't
a computer? What a lot of trash! I'm surprised they can get away with
claims like that. I entered college (Michigan Tech. Univ.) fresh out
of high school. I had seen but never touched a computer. I finished
college with honors and now have a good (even successful!) job. Not
bad, considering my BS is in computer science! Take that TI and
Commodore!
             2) Although females have the same chance legally to be
elected president, it's ridiculous to think that they have the same
popular chance. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that I don't think
they are capable, but given the current social state of mind toward
women, I think the claim made in the TI add is a bit exagerated.
In fact, it seems that this particular add does an injustice to
women, since it implies that women have achieved a status in society
that is not yet the case.

I really wish that manufacturers (not limited to computer companies)
would sell their products based on their merit, rather than on
misleading claims and psychological games.
-- 


                  D. Wallis  (insert snappy signature here)
                   ATT&T Western Electric, Naperville Il.
                             (312) 979-5894