Independently of whether it is or isn't, there is benefit to trying to get as broad a swatch of the population into programming as possible. My thinking on thi

Independently of whether it is or isn't, there is benefit to trying to get as broad a swatch of the population into programming as possible. My thinking on this has changed over the years. I used to view programming as a pure meritocracy. Then I realized that the same thing could be said about so many other male dominated fields, whose barriers eventually broke down. (Law, Accounting, Teaching...) Now my inclination is to believe that there are other things at work: parental expectations, mentorship, etc. that are bigger drivers. And how much downside is there if we smartly (key word!) try to be more inclusive in the field? I don't mean lowering standards, but I do mean outreach, identifying mentors, etc.