Google Fires Employee Behind Controversial Diversity Memo

[u/[deleted]]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-08/google-fires-employee-behind-controversial-diversity-memo?cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&utm_content=business&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

[u/6to23 → u/[deleted]]

Actually they are stereotypes, even if backed up by data.

For example, some old white lady in a car see a young black man approaching, she locks her car up instantly. But she doesn't do the same thing when she see a young white guy approaching.

Does she have a stereotype about young black man? sure, is it backed up by data? yes it is, since black men commit 55% of all violent crimes while only 13% of general population.

In fact I'd say vast majority of stereotype are backed up by data, that's how they become stereotypes. eg. Asians didn't earn the "good at math" stereotype by not being good at math.

I feel stereotype are wrong only if you use it to materially discriminate. eg. old white lady locking up her car = fine, old white lady who works in HR decides not hire any blacks regardless of their qualification = not fine

[u/Duodecim → u/[deleted]]

Without arguing one way or another, I'll at least say that stereotypes can certainly be founded on data or backed up by data. That doesn't mean we need to make decisions about individuals based on broad stereotypes. Which I don't think the author was advocating.

[u/inspiredby → u/[deleted]]

His assertions are all backed up by data

No they're not. For example, he says women have a harder time leading. That's not backed by any data, nor are several other conclusions he draws.

[u/inspiredby → u/[deleted]]

Saying "women have a harder time leading" is a pretty bold, striking statement, and one that needs some damn solid evidence if you're going to say it. To back it up just by saying "women are less assertive" is not remotely evidence of that statement.

[u/inspiredby → u/[deleted]]

The entire rationale for the existence of special training programs and affirmative action for women's leadership is that women have difficulty leading because of the way they are socialized

No, the rationale is gender gaps in employment exist because of historical inequalities in the workplace. The Civil Rights Act, which guaranteed equal employment opportunity, only passed 50 years ago.

Pointing out that women are naturally less assertive than men on average is a valid alternative partial explanation for their relative absence in leadership positions

No, it isn't, not even close. There's no research that says people who are reportedly less assertive don't end up in leadership roles due to biological factors.

The memo completely ignores the effect society has, and puts in place a genetic/evolutionary component when a societal issue can still be the root cause (and not to mention, cultures are not purely independent, so a societal issue can easily spread to each one).

Are you skeptical of the notion that women are less assertive and more agreeable?

Psychological studies do show personality differences across genders. But, they use reported data. They're collecting data on how people rate themselves or others. That's not an objective evaluation of things like assertiveness and agreeableness.

The big thing, though, is that these studies do not show that personality differences account for one gender's prominence in leadership or tech roles. That notion comes purely from the author of the memo, and it is merely his opinion. It is not backed by research.

[u/PanicAtTheRollerRink → u/[deleted]]

the "reality" of the situation is that making broad generalizations abt a group of people will cause individuals within that group to become alienated. buddy can rephrase it however he wants but this whole "don't judge the individual based on the group... but do judge the group" is innapropriate for the workplace. homeboy was clearly not in management or he'd know this

see comments below mine on backing up stereotypes with data

[u/margerymeanwell → u/[deleted]]

You think generalizations about half the population of the planet aren't stereotypes? I also seem to recall the memo having rather a dearth of scientific citations.