In the past few years the prevalence of women in technical fields like math and physics has increased, while computer science has remained a male-dominated pursuit*. Concerned parties endeavor to change the culture of computer science and encourage more women to consider that branch of study. While well-meaning, I wonder if these efforts might at times have the opposite effect of driving women away. I have heard young women in BYU's computer science program express exasperation over actually being too well received in their courses. They weren't able to just be another student, because they were constantly reminded of how rare a treat it was to have them there. It's nice to be wanted, but very few enjoy always being thrust into the limelight. In some ways, this treatment can even be insulting, as it tends to make one feel like a commodity. A valued commodity to be sure, but still, a commodity. Women are women, not a rare collector's item.
*http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/business/16digi.html?_r=0
I think that you raise a valid point. It can be easy to get overzealous in our efforts to include a particular group and as a result drive them away. There is a delicate balance that has to be struck on a an individual basis. While some may not mind being singled out, it is clear that others would rather not receive that treatment. Perhaps the way to be the most inclusive is to not make a big deal about including someone in our group but just accepting them as they are.
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