https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/business/china-women-technology.html
By SUI-LEE WEEAPRIL 24, 2018
Thought some of y'all might be interested in this story.
By SUI-LEE WEEAPRIL 24, 2018
Thought some of y'all might be interested in this story.
BEIJING — China's vibrant technology scene is searching for people like Shen Yue. Qualifications: Must be attractive, know how to charm socially awkward programmers and give relaxing massages.
He said he was open to the idea of male programmer motivators but somewhat skeptical. "A man chatting with another man, it's like going out on a date with a guy," Mr. Feng said. "A little awkward, isn't it?"
Ms. Zhang, the human resources executive who was part of the panel that hired Ms. Shen, stressed that it is important for a programmer motivator to look good. She said the applicants needed to have "five facial features that must definitely be in their proper order" and speak in a gentle way.
They should also have a contagious laugh, be able to apply simple makeup and be taller than 5 feet 2 inches.
China's tech industry is beginning to question such practices. Wang Jie, 40, the chief executive of Shanbay.com, an app that helps people learn English, has been vocal about the "objectification" of women by other start-ups.
...
But Mr. Wang has found that attitudes are difficult to change. Several people responded to his post, saying he was making a mountain out of a molehill.
"The men said: 'If there are more beautiful women, I'll be happier in my job. What's the issue?'" Mr. Wang said. "And some women said: 'As a woman, I don't think this is a problem at all.'"