Lenna

After downloading the Python Image Library I was disappointed to find yet another use of the "standard" image-processing example of 1972 Playboy centerfold Lenna (a.k.a. Lena) in their directory of sample images.

Sadly, Lena herself apparently encourages these losers. The image is supposedly a good test case, though there are certainly plenty of other, better ones. And it is of course highly doubtful that the kind of men who use the image will ever get the kind of look she's giving in the picture, from anyone who looks like her at least.

To me the whole thing shows how hopelessly clueless most computer scientists and engineers still are about culture and gender issues – naughty boys giggling over Daddy's porn stash, and feeling compelled to show their treasure to their students and colleagues. And we wonder why there aren't more women these fields.