Live data from Hacker News

Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

recode.net

1–10 of 43 posts

Re: Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

#2
I've noticed some people on Twitter, including Susan Fowler and Kara Swisher, saying free speech is only a protection against government intrusion and doesn't apply in the corporate sector. That seems to be mirrored in this article.

The only thing I'd say is that those people should think carefully. Denouncing and shrinking rights such as free speech and normalising their role as negative rights when it is convenient to do so will work against their agenda, and is in common with how people like Trump view other rights

Re: Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

#3
post #2

I've noticed some people on Twitter, including Susan Fowler and Kara Swisher, saying free speech is only a protection against government intrusion and doesn't apply in the corporate sector. That seems to be mirrored in this article. The only thing I'd say is that those people should think carefully. Denouncing and shrinking rights such as free speech and normalising their role as negative rights when it is convenient…

I think you missed the point. Nobody is shrinking or denouncing rights because right of free speech never protected against corporate sector sanctions. You are the one who is trying to expand free speech to protect you in places that no one intended.

Re: Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

#4
The saddest part about this spectacle is that the author and his detractors are literally talking past one another.

The author did not say that his female colleagues can't do tech. He's saying that the pool of talent in general population might not be the same size across genders. A quick glance at CS graduation statistics shows that is basically true today.

This is the same point that led in part to Larry Summers losing his job, when he dared wonder aloud about why there weren't more female academics.

If you're going to fire a man, you should at least do it for what he actually did.

Re: Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

#6
There's an interesting article on the front page that firing this guy might be grounds for a lawsuit in and of itself. I don't think this guy should be fired. Google should make him an example of their willingness to listen, have thoughtful introspection, and consider all points of view. I truly hope this person is not fired. Free speech seems to only work when you're the majority.

Re: Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

#7
Wow, it's not enough to even wait for this guy to get fired and then discuss, right or wrong, but they even have to write articles just salivating with the very anticipation of it...

This is a big group of people gathered around the stake chattering to each other in gleeful anticipation of burning a heretic. Even if this guy is wrong about everything, the spectacle is extremely disturbing.

Re: Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

#8
post #2

I've noticed some people on Twitter, including Susan Fowler and Kara Swisher, saying free speech is only a protection against government intrusion and doesn't apply in the corporate sector. That seems to be mirrored in this article. The only thing I'd say is that those people should think carefully. Denouncing and shrinking rights such as free speech and normalising their role as negative rights when it is convenient…

I think you missed the point. Nobody is shrinking or denouncing rights because right of free speech never protected against corporate sector sanctions. You are the one who is trying to expand free speech to protect you in places that no one intended.

maybe we need to re-evaluate free speech protections to bring them into alignment with today’s world, where certain corporations can be (arguably) more powerful than governments

Re: Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

#9
post #2

I've noticed some people on Twitter, including Susan Fowler and Kara Swisher, saying free speech is only a protection against government intrusion and doesn't apply in the corporate sector. That seems to be mirrored in this article. The only thing I'd say is that those people should think carefully. Denouncing and shrinking rights such as free speech and normalising their role as negative rights when it is convenient…

did the author shot gun the manifesto or just send it to a few colleagues?

How did it spread so far?

The difference is that one is a few people discussing a thought bubble (good for everyone) the other is inappropriate use of company facilities (not good for everyone or the company).

the first one is not in itself sack-able... but the other may very well be a sack-able offence.

Re: Firing expected of Google employee who penned controversial memo on women

#10
post #2

I've noticed some people on Twitter, including Susan Fowler and Kara Swisher, saying free speech is only a protection against government intrusion and doesn't apply in the corporate sector. That seems to be mirrored in this article. The only thing I'd say is that those people should think carefully. Denouncing and shrinking rights such as free speech and normalising their role as negative rights when it is convenient…

The issue is that consequence-free speech quickly bumps up against the paradox of tolerance.

I think there can be a debate around where the cutoff line for what's acceptable is but no line at all most likely won't work.

Post reply on HN