kevin zelhart
Aug 8, 2017 · 5 min read

“Interesting that you should think “women who work in tech being angry at being told they are aberrations and probably shouldn’t be there” somehow means that the argument that they are aberrations and probably shouldn’t be there has merit.”
Again a response which attempts to assign my support to the one point of his memo which has raised the ire of so many, which I have not. He makes six points at the start of his memo (I am reading from here, so I am making an assumption this is the acual text: https://gizmodo.com/exclusive-heres-the-full-10-page-anti-diversity-screed-1797564320 ). I cannot speak to conditions within Google, however the first two have merit to society in general, and the reaction to his memo lend credence to their accuracy. Silencing one’s opponents does little to further one’s cause, reinforces the oppositions belief system, and does nothing to edify the observers on the sideline. It is the easy out, but will only allow the issue to fester. By debating the opponent’s posits, if they have no merit, they will be shown for what they are for all to see, and though they may not be beaten down forever, it makes it easier to invalidate them when they raise their head again. It is more work on the front end, but it makes it easier down the road, allowing for real change.

His third point is only partially correct, in that it also leads to extremes in opposition. He attempts, though rather clumsily, to clarify this further in the memo to mean that neither extreme is right and the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

The 3rd and 4th points are more opinion, and debating them would only serve in support of the first.

I don’t see where he has a leg to stand on on the last point. He could be trying to leverage studies such as the one referenced here(http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2017/04/heres-the-biggest-study-yet-on-sex-based-brain-differences.html), but I see little if any to support his position.

“What do you think that women would expect out of that, if they are faced with the fact that evidently at least a few of their peers think they are less capable simply because they are women?” I do not think this will ever be eliminated, and I am not sure it can be. Part of the solution, as I alluded to in earier posts, is having an interal confidence in ones’ abilities. There will always be those who look down upon, or attempt to diminish the capabilities of those around them. It is not the exclusive cross for women to bear, though I would venture that it occurs with them more frequently. For me personally, and many in my family, when faced with such things, we get the attitude of, ‘Really? I’ll Friggin show you’, then we proceed to exceed our own expectations in many cases. Personally, these times have strengthened me and allowed me to see things within myself I did not realize I had, and shed some things which were holding me back. But it has been a long time since I let another’s opinion hold me back.

“This is not about our widdle feewings being hurt, sir.” Please, I believe we can have this converrsation without this avenue of comment. It lends little to the debate

“This is about the fact that other people’s held stereotypes affect opportunity, as well as providing the classic “chilly environment” of work. Yes, beliefs that are held about women affect performance feedback — and pay, and job opportunities. That is not simply a matter of introspection and self-confidence.” Yes those held stereotypes do affect all that you say, however my point is not that introspection and self confidence is a remedy, but rather it allows one to weather such oppositions, and in some cases, advance meaningful change.

“Your blithe assumption that people can just “move on or start their own company” also does not take into account the simple (and in this economic climate, inescapable) restrictions on opportunity and finance which exist, and the fact that few people will ever be able to “start their own company” in a way which rivals opportunities at the tech giants like Google.” Hardly a callous assumption. I have faced similar conditions several times in my career, one iin the past two years.I would not expect a startup to offer the same opportunities as Google, however entrepenneurship has rewards that you will never get at Google, and who knows, that person may be the start of something greater than Google, and have the chance to ‘do things right’ and bring up women who will replicate that success. No one says it will be easy or that it will be successful, but it can be a great experience either way. What holds many people back, myself included is fear. If FDR had anything correct, it was his statement that ‘We have nothing to fear, but fear itself’ Fear of failure prevents many of us from trying.

‘I ask you, would you be so eager to defend the man’s “right” to his thesis if his statement had been “why is Google trying to recruit blacks? Blacks just aren’t as good at science.”’ First, I have never suggested that I am defending his thesis in it’s entirety. I am not. If his last point was swapped with your posit on blacks, al other points being the same, I would still content that the first two points are correct on priciple, but would argue vehemntly against the last, and attempt to discredit his position, not silence him, for the reasons I stated above.

“And given that many of the man’s statements about gender capabilities are flatly contradicted by the best available evidence, why should HR have to waste time on discussing if there is “merit” to the argument?” Again, the assumption appears to be that I am arguing for his position in total, wihch is incorrect. If HR chooses to silence the individual they simply allow the discontent to fester, which, though expedient, creates more problems down the road

“Your daughters will face quite enough challenges as they grow up, without you adding to the burden by suggesting that if people dismiss their abilities based on gender, maybe it’s because it’s true…even though it isn’t.” — Yes they will face challenges. In no way am I suggesting that they accept others dismissal because of their sex. But I hope that I have instilled in them the ability to see through the bull crap of others, know themselves and their abilities to persevere, and create real change. The hardest issues they will face is the internal struggle if they buy into others preconceptions. By knowing themselves, their capabilities, they are less likely to become victim to such things. My eldest and I have many of this type of debate. I enjoy them in the fact that it builds her confidence and her ability to form logical counters to points I make, if she truly feels strongly about them. She does not back down easily any more, and I am glad of that. With my youngest, we take it more along the lines of asking her position on something then asking, “well what about this consequence, what happens if this occurs”, trying to get them to think beyond phase one.

Thank you for the comments. Though we probably still disagree on some points, but it was for the most part enjoyable.

    kevin zelhart

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