Live data from Hacker News

Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

bloomberg.com

31–40 of 158 posts

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#31
post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The article cites data from the government on percentages of black, hispanic, and women in tech in Silicon Valley vs those same populations in tech nationwide. You would expect the percentages to be statistically equal.

You can also make any lie you want with statistics.

That’s not even an argument, but I’d certainly be willing to see your analysis of these particular statistics and why you think they’re fraudulent.

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#32

If lack of diversity isn't a problem, why aren't these companies open with their figures? Why go to such extents? There's also research to suggest women and minorities are underpaid relative to their male, white counterparts, shouldn't companies fix that?

Is it a crazy idea the reason is that the figures themselves are irrelevant?

Why are they irrelevant? Why can't the data be used to address this disparity? If certain groups shy away from STEM careers, why not try to do something about it?

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#33
post #16
post #8

For the millionth time. The distribution of populations not lining up with the general population distributions is not indicative of discrimination. Not to mention that the "anti-brown people" narrative absolutely dissolves in the face of the massive overrepresentation of Indians and other Asians. To say that Silicon Valley has a "race problem" and only include the employment statistics as they relate to the populati…

The article cites data from the government on percentages of black, hispanic, and women in tech in Silicon Valley vs those same populations in tech nationwide. You would expect the percentages to be statistically equal.

No you probably wouldn't, as Silicon Valley attracts the top X% of the tech population due to the pay, the status of the companies hiring, VC money floating around, etc.

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#34
post #7

More like journalism is using race to hide its jealousy problem. Tech now has the power, influence, and compensation that journalist used to have, and they're mad about it. Most of these companies go way out of their way to recruit minorities and women. If you believe that not having enough of them in tech companies is a problem, you're going to have to look further down the funnel, to college major choices and hones…

[deleted]

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can also make any lie you want with statistics.

You can also use that argument to wave away any statistics you don't like the ramifications of.

Yes, but does this make my argument false?

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#36
post #16
post #8

For the millionth time. The distribution of populations not lining up with the general population distributions is not indicative of discrimination. Not to mention that the "anti-brown people" narrative absolutely dissolves in the face of the massive overrepresentation of Indians and other Asians. To say that Silicon Valley has a "race problem" and only include the employment statistics as they relate to the populati…

The article cites data from the government on percentages of black, hispanic, and women in tech in Silicon Valley vs those same populations in tech nationwide. You would expect the percentages to be statistically equal.

Is the distribution of minorities static across the entire country? If you want to promote change you need to earn people's trust, skewing statistics to support your cause does not help that. I am on the side of removing discrimination, unfair wage practices, etc., but the diversity industry (speakers, journalists, special interest groups) often shoot themselves in the foot by making loud, bold, claims, based on gamed statistics...

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#37
post #16
post #8

For the millionth time. The distribution of populations not lining up with the general population distributions is not indicative of discrimination. Not to mention that the "anti-brown people" narrative absolutely dissolves in the face of the massive overrepresentation of Indians and other Asians. To say that Silicon Valley has a "race problem" and only include the employment statistics as they relate to the populati…

The article cites data from the government on percentages of black, hispanic, and women in tech in Silicon Valley vs those same populations in tech nationwide. You would expect the percentages to be statistically equal.

> You would expect the percentages to be statistically equal.

Serious question: why? Why would you expect that? I’m seriously interested by a response to that, that would give way more weight to this affirmation.

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can also use that argument to wave away any statistics you don't like the ramifications of.

Yes, but does this make my argument false?

It makes your argument specious, barring any supporting criticisms of the statistics in question.

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#39

If lack of diversity isn't a problem, why aren't these companies open with their figures? Why go to such extents? There's also research to suggest women and minorities are underpaid relative to their male, white counterparts, shouldn't companies fix that?

Because the media coverage would turn into a "problem" that would be a PR issue.

Re: Silicon Valley Is Using Trade Secrets to Hide Its Race Problem

#40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can also use that argument to wave away any statistics you don't like the ramifications of.

Yes, but does this make my argument false?

It isn’t an argument, it’s a restated aphorism devoid of context. I think I’m not alone in wondering if you actually have an argument to make, one this involves making specific claims about the statistics I’m question and the methods by which you claim they’re lying.
Post reply on HN