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I really wish we could be more pragmatic about the lack of diversity in tech. Do we really care about "diversity" or do we care that we are losing out on potent

I really wish we could be more pragmatic about the lack of diversity in tech. Do we really care about "diversity" or do we care that we are losing out on potential talent? And why is it always that those wringing their hands over the situation (so often non-programmer outsiders) seem to have their own axe to grind? Could it be because the valley is filled to the brim with money? I'm in it to win it. I'm not here to help somebody else get ahead. Not that I want to kick anybody on my way to the top but this industry is very competitive. The lack of women, racial and sexual minorities is terrible and unfair and it should change, but I'm more concerned that we are shutting out smart, creative workers. In the end, isn't that the point of our (supposed) meritocracy? Diversity must come from within our community and for the right reasons, not out of the terror of being shamed by a self-appointed guardian of righteousness.

dropit_sphere 13y ago
You should consider the advantage you have of being aware of the industry at all. Not everyone has that opportunity. Some portion of responsibility devolves on you to share the (not entirely meritocratic) good fortune you've received. As the song goes, check your privilege.
- donatj 13y ago
  This is just silly. One fifth of the world is on Facebook, they are aware of Facebook and that it makes ton of money, they are aware of the industry. Interest ≠ Privilege. I grew up very poor but was always VERY interested in technology every way possible. I got a 20 year old computer used for very cheap in my early teens and learned to program on this. Almost any child is capable of this. Its not privilege, its interest. Anyone with interest is perfectly capable.
  - thatswrong0 13y ago
    There are environments in which interest is much less likely to develop. For instance, what if your peers had thought and repeated that learning and reading were stupid? Or what if your parents were completely apathetic about your education? Or what if one of your parents was in jail your entire life? What if you had no choice but join a gang? There are children, and maybe you were one of them, who can persevere despite these circumstances. But I think it's important to note that the differences in interest can also be a result of 'privilege'.
    - gretful 13y ago
      That wouldn't be donatj's fault, it would be the fault of the culture holding their people back. Maybe JJ should look inward instead of outward for a solution.
      - thatswrong0 13y ago
        I agree. I think that Jesse Jackson is indeed being ridiculous in what he is targeting. We should be investigating the systems that lead to a lack of minority candidates applying to work at these companies.. Namely, systems like the entirety of the criminal justice system with discriminatory policies such as 3 strikes or the war on drugs.

dropit_sphere 13y ago

You should consider the advantage you have of being aware of the industry at all. Not everyone has that opportunity. Some portion of responsibility devolves on you to share the (not entirely meritocratic) good fortune you've received. As the song goes, check your privilege.

donatj 13y ago
This is just silly. One fifth of the world is on Facebook, they are aware of Facebook and that it makes ton of money, they are aware of the industry. Interest ≠ Privilege. I grew up very poor but was always VERY interested in technology every way possible. I got a 20 year old computer used for very cheap in my early teens and learned to program on this. Almost any child is capable of this. Its not privilege, its interest. Anyone with interest is perfectly capable.
- thatswrong0 13y ago
  There are environments in which interest is much less likely to develop. For instance, what if your peers had thought and repeated that learning and reading were stupid? Or what if your parents were completely apathetic about your education? Or what if one of your parents was in jail your entire life? What if you had no choice but join a gang? There are children, and maybe you were one of them, who can persevere despite these circumstances. But I think it's important to note that the differences in interest can also be a result of 'privilege'.
  - gretful 13y ago
    That wouldn't be donatj's fault, it would be the fault of the culture holding their people back. Maybe JJ should look inward instead of outward for a solution.
    - thatswrong0 13y ago
      I agree. I think that Jesse Jackson is indeed being ridiculous in what he is targeting. We should be investigating the systems that lead to a lack of minority candidates applying to work at these companies.. Namely, systems like the entirety of the criminal justice system with discriminatory policies such as 3 strikes or the war on drugs.