TechCrunch let hackathon presenters talk about boobs and masturbation (then apologized). Here are just some of the mind-blowing innovations we’d rather discuss.
By Shaherose Charania (CEO & Co-founder, Women 2.0)
Let’s kick this post off with a confession — at Women 2.0 we’re a little bored.
We’re a little bored of being excited about learning about cool new startups, fresh trends and bold ideas at the latest conference, only to end up talking about how to host a female-friendly event and the inappropriateness of discussing anatomy outside of a doctor’s office.
We’re a little bored of the whole (justified but incredibly repetitive) outrage, the encouraging calls for sensitivity and collaboration, and the crush of disappointment once again.
The Media isn’t just media — i.e. means to spread information from one person to another — it’s also a megaphone. What companies choose to cover (and allow on stage at their events) suggests the topics of public discussion, subtly sets norms and amplifies small subsets of the culture.
Sadly, thanks to TechCrunch’s shameful decision making, we’re now talking about something called Titshare when technology offers us so many other world-changing topics to discuss. What would we be rather be writing about?
- Thiel fellow Laura Deming, 19, and her venture fund focused on understanding – and doing something about – the aging process
- Kenya’s rising tech culture, including Akirachix, BRCK and the iHub
- BitCoin and the new kiosks we hear are coming to Canada. When will we be getting some stateside?
- Some major manufacturers are setting dates for the release of self-driving cars (it’s 2020 — a year that’s close to our hearts at the moment) and Google has made a huge investment in Uber. How’s that going to impact regulation, tech and the livelihoods of a whole lot of taxi drivers? Discuss!
- Privacy, Google Glass, the NSA. Surely, there’s more to be said.
- Can smartphones prevent millions from going blind in the developing world? Could scientists grow a brain in a lab?
- 3D printing for peace. Not impressed? How about a 3D printed invisibility cloak? What else will 3D printing disrupt?
- People live in space — in space! — and we have a remote controlled vehicle currently tooling around Mars. But what’s in it for me you ask? Space tourism is due to get underway next year.
- Is tech too enamored of shiny gadgets for the rich instead of fixing real, pressing problems and empowering people?
The list goes on. Tech innovation – driven by men or women – has the ability to change the world and blow our collective minds. We’re building a new world together, and building it right means that everyone has the ability to participate fully in the transformation.
Discussions of gender are obviously still relevant, but I for one am getting tired of them. Wouldn’t it be great if we could nail down the “women as objects” thing and move on – no, move UP – to thinking about how to make buildings that eat smog, mine asteroids or use genetics to cure some cancers utilizing the full talents of both genders? Our role here at Women 2.0 is to highlight awesomeness we find in tech and I want to keep it that way.
What’s your reaction to the news out of TC Disrupt?
Image credit: Cheryl Colan via Flickr.
Shaherose Charania is the co-founder and CEO of Women 2.0. She is passionate about open innovation in mobile and telephony startups. Follow her on Twitter at @shaherose.