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Comment by codesuela | Hacker News Reader

I find this whole brogrammer phenomenon ridiculous. It seems that it was a joke but now people start taking this stuff serious. I feel really embarrassed for people who describe themselves as brogrammers

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I am not so quick to blame the people who call themselves that. Sure, some 'brogrammers' are sexist pigs who lack self awareness, but I get a strong feeling that the majority of them are just regular smoes who are looking to avoid the alternative programmer stereotype that is thrust upon them by society at large: 'doesn't shower, and likes science fiction a bit too much'.

yes I get that but how about going to gym, being groomed and well dressed and well versed WITHOUT conforming to the Bro stereotype, you know...like a INDIVIDUAL

It's not like you have the choice between being a BROgrammer or a PROgrammer. You can also be an Software Engineer that doesn't conform to either stereotypes or "subcultures" if you would call it that. People who call themselves brogrammes seem to lack the creativity to adopt a personal style that combines the best of both worlds: a smart, well dressed individual that enjoys working out without making a big fuss about it.

/rant

Or they could just decide not to make their career their personal identity. I rarely feel the need to go out of my way to talk about my career, or tell people what I do, unless asked, in situations where I know their line of work has nothing to do with mine.

The trick with stereotypes is that you don't have to opt-in for people to apply them to you. Be an individual... and people will still stereotype you.

I think that non-tech people, especially recruiters, could be responsible for taking something like this and running with it. Recruiters, especially non-internal ones, are often grasping at straws and they may hear something about "brogramming" and take the concept and run with it thinking that they can seem cool to recent grads, younger developers, etc.

I don't think anyone seriously describes themselves as a brogrammer. It's all a big joke that some people just don't get.

"It's all a big joke that some people just don't get."

You could say the same thing about hipsters, but they are still a real part of the culture.

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