Echoes of MLK in the Digital Age. Is Coding Inclusivity Possible?
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Finally! MLK day provides a well-earned federal holiday after employees have spent a hectic two weeks working since the last one.
“We need the vacation time to work on our side projects. We will be able to catch up on those pieces of work that our schedules usually do not allow. ”
A Man Who Had A Dream
It’s time to remember a man who had a dream about equality and civil rights.
“We should be using this idea to ponder quantum computing and AI advancements and what they mean. Failing that we should be coding.
I have been wasting time recently though. As your favorite professional software developer, I can’t help but think about how Dr. King’s legacy influences our tech world today.”
Diversity Just isn’t happening in Tech
There are reams of evidence that diversity isn’t working in tech. The Secret Developer has sourced their opinions here:
“I’ve previously written about my experiences working with a software development racist. That’s one thing but let’s face it, the tech industry isn’t exactly the poster child for diversity and inclusion. By that I mean if you’re not white, you’re probably Asian. You're almost certainly a man.
Now, I’m not saying there hasn’t been progress. We’ve got initiatives, pledges, and a whole lot of talk about making tech more inclusive. However, without getting new perspectives the industry is sure to suffer.
It’s time to shift from talking the talk to walking the walk. Rather I should say coding the code.”
The time is always right to do what is right
It is clear that diversity is good. However, The Secret Developer is also worried about practices that deny the industry the best possible developers.
“This shouldn't be about ticking boxes and fulfilling quotas. It’s about recruiting right?
I’ve already recommended what we need to do. Long story short — delete the tech quizzes and challenges and recruit for potential.
When you’ve got the right people, train them. Perhaps mentor them a little as we know that is effective and breaks down doors and barriers.
Don’t think this is simply a call to action for Big Tech. We should all be working as problem solvers and it’s time we applied that mindset to diversity and inclusion around us too.”
Conclusion
“Here’s what I think you should do.
Repeat after me. I’m gonna make a change for once in my life.
Remember Dr. King and his extraordinary legacy and let us all dream of a tech industry that becomes all it can be. An industry where diversity isn’t just a buzzword, but a core part of our source code.
How hard can it be?”