In Pistoia, my book sparked a discussion with adults and students about artificial intelligence, language, and gender stereotypes. It was precisely the dialogue I had hoped to build.
A presentation to an adult audience and two meetings with the fourth and fifth grade classes in Computer Science at the Fedi-Fermi Institute: this is how the “Changing the Shape of the Table” journey began in Pistoia, Capitale del Libro (Book Capital).
With Elena Bascone, who wrote the preface, we initiated discussions that reaffirmed the meaning of the publishing project: to bring the relationship between artificial intelligence and gender equality beyond already sensitive contexts.
We engaged primarily with men and boys. In the classes, the almost exclusively male presence immediately highlighted one of the book’s themes: the low participation of girls in computer science studies.
Concerns about equality and the focus on language arose: if a skill or role can belong to anyone, why give importance to the gender of words?
Discussing AI’s linguistic models helped make this point concrete. LLMs learn from texts: the words we use to represent professions, skills, and authority contribute to the associations these systems can reproduce. Language thus also becomes a question of how we construct technology.
Another recurring observation: “If girls don’t choose computer science, it’s because they’re not interested.” But how does an interest develop? How much weight do expectations, encouragement, and role models weigh? We also discussed the stereotype that girls are less apt for mathematics and how similar beliefs can narrow options before a choice is even made.
The outcome is very positive, precisely because of the questions and objections that have emerged. These are valuable opportunities to listen, explain, and question what seems obvious.
Thanks to Elena Bascone for accompanying these meetings with her perspective, her book, and her reflections; to Devid Panattoni, director of the San Giorgio Library in Pistoia, for his welcome and the space given to the book; and to everyone present, including the teachers and classes at Fedi-Fermi, for this discussion.
This is the journey I imagined for Changing the Shape of the Table: a book capable of sparking conversations, even where these topics encounter doubts and resistance. Because the future of artificial intelligence concerns everyone. And we need to discuss it together.
