Can someone explain to me the need to be represented?

Just like with everything else, as long as they are the best person for the job and not given the position over someone who is more qualified, but really, why does it matter? Maybe I'm too jaded, since I know based on representation in the field that skinny, pale shutins such as myself have a lot of clout in STEM fields.

I'm not sure if it differs based on area but I face discrimination in STEM by being a white male. I have a very, very, very similar resume and background as my female friend, and she was accepted to every single PhD program she applied to. Even the ivy league schools - CalTech, Stanford, Cornell, etc.
I was rejected from everything. We applied to the same programs.

Don't get me wrong - she absolutely deserved those acceptances, but I think I did too. I don't know where the disparity is other than what my sex is. Grades? I was better. Research? Literally the same. GRE scores? Mine were better. Recommendation letters? We both had very good professors we've worked closely with. Personal statement is the only thing I don't know about. All I know is I spent months on mine and it was very well written so I hardly doubt that was the reason 10 different schools chose to accept her and reject me.

Unfortunately this type of discrimination is okay in our culture because white males have had it good for so long, and other groups haven't. So I have to suffer the cost of previous generations of hate and discrimination. I don't think it's fair but it's not going to change so I suck it up and deal with it. I just have to work harder.