Obstacles to 'coding while black'

[spooky3]

7. An old story: when I (f) graduated from

College in the early 70s, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but saw a help wanted ad that a big insurance company want to hire trainees to learn their systems. The first step after applying was to take the Programmer Aptitude Test. I did really well on it and the personnel guy was very excited to tell me all I had to do was meet with the guy who would be my supervisor.

Here's how that "interview" went:

Guy with big red sideburns, dressed casually, slouched in his chair: "Hello."

Me: "hello, I'm spooky3. Nice to meet you. I had an appointment to discuss the (job)."

Sideburns guy, not rising: "how old are you?"

Me: "20."

Sideburns: "Are you married?"

Me (getting uneasy; he's not smiling): "No."

Sideburns: "what's the matter? You hate men?"

I did not get an offer and did not further consider a career in technology.