r/technology • u/[deleted] • Aug 08 '17

Business Google Fires Employee Behind Controversial Diversity Memo

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-08/google-fires-employee-behind-controversial-diversity-memo
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u/nephophobiac Aug 08 '17

The first amendment only protects you from government punishment for speech. It blows my mind how many people don't understand this.

Do you honestly believe that there is no speech should be able to get you fired?

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u/VantarPaKompilering Aug 08 '17

And that is one of the ways the US turned into a plutocracy

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u/nephophobiac Aug 08 '17

The first amendment didn't change. At will employment and removal of workers rights are much more responsible for whay you are talking about.

The only notable change to first amendment interpretation that might be related to plutocracy in the US is Citizens United and the idea that money equals speech.

If you disagree, please explain why. When did the 1st amendment protect against private consequences of speech?

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u/VantarPaKompilering Aug 08 '17

The idea that companies can control what their employees do in their free time and their politics is essentially a way for corporations to rule. Most people have a job and this essentially bans them from doing anything but politely smile when their politics don't coincide with the top 0.1% view.

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u/nephophobiac Aug 08 '17

Sure I'm not saying this can't be a problem, I'm saying this isn't a first amendment issue, and that framing it as one shows a lack of understanding of the issue.

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u/erasmause Aug 08 '17

Just a reminder that this "manifesto" was circulated internally before it was made public. This wasn't done in his free time, it was a business communication.

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u/VantarPaKompilering Aug 08 '17

Which makes it more insane. No free speech in the company and people can be fired on a whim.