Should Gender Stereotypes be challenged?

[Ben Davis]

I agree with your opinion that stereotypes can cause much harm.
But doesn't that mean that we should ignore these stereotypes rather challenge them, so that people can have freedom to be who they want to be.
For example, we all know what a stereotypical male programmer looks like. Wouldn't it benefit a person to ignore this stereotype completely and choose how they want to be rather than making it a point to actively challenge the stereotype?
Why do you think it's better to challenge a stereotype rather than ignoring them?
In my opinion challenging a stereotype doesn't give freedom for a person to be who they are, but I'd like to hear your opinion on the matter.

Well, here we take a walk in to my values. Every stereotype I've ever encountered has either caused or enabled harm. When I see people being harmed, I'm compelled to do something about it. When I want to do something, I consider the issue as comprehensively as I can in the time available before deciding on the action I'll take.

I also hate inequity.

Considering the stereotype of a 'programmer' you mentioned, the gendercentric assumption of masculinity causes an entry-level barrier for women with end effects across the entire career path (e.g. salary differences, glass ceilings). That's both harmful and unfair. If everyone were to ignore the problem, the situation would never change thus propagating the harm & inequity; silence is tacit acceptance as there's no way to differentiate between people who are being silent because they don't care and people who are being silent because they benefit from/wish to maintain the status quo.

Since I care about people and I don't want to be lumped in to the same category as people who like harm & inequity, I act.