Who says a profile pic needs a smile? Not me. As a woman trying to build a writing career in the utter bullshit that is the tech world, putting on a friendly grin doesn’t feel right. It certainly doesn’t feel real. 

I’m not about coming off as unfriendly. Believe me, I've got a vibrant spirit and a wicked sense of humour. But too often, women feel squeezed into boxes - expected to soften our talent with feminine charm, pleasantness, and perpetual cheer.

https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/901/265/660/604/130/original/07794ed2dd8b7b1f.jpeg 

 US military and politician photos are all smiles these days. It always bothers me.