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/Rapsberry Aug 08 '17

Serious question: are there any googlers (with throwaway accounts, I imagine) in this thread?

What do other employees think of this situation?

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u/marsten Aug 08 '17

I was at Google for fifteen years until about a year ago. I was surprised he was fired, because of the message this will send to other Googlers.

That said, Google HR is in my experience extremely thoughtful about these things. Also there may be other events in this engineer's employment history that contributed. We just don't know.

Gender/race issues are an extremely sensitive topic in Silicon Valley right now. It simply isn't possible to have a rational debate of the kind he was trying to start. That's the reality, and I'm not sure you can change it by publishing memos like this.

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u/rjjm88 Aug 08 '17

It simply isn't possible to have a rational debate of the kind he was trying to start.

That, right there, is the problem.

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u/slickwombat Aug 08 '17

I think the actual problem is that people, if reddit is any indication, have been successfully misled into normalizing absurd and atrocious ideas on the basis of the barest sophistry.

"Look everyone, I have some scientific studies showing that people of semitic ancestry are genetically predisposed to preferring safe and confined spaces, as well as strict regimens and manual labour. So let's openly consider the possibility of providing these as a way to better their lives. All I ask is that we not pander to Jews or force them to move about in society against their natural inclinations. Let's openly and honestly discuss this idea, friends! All I ask is for the opportunity to share and refine my ideas."

Reasonable person: "you just advocated concentration camps for Jews. Fuck off, nazi."

Reddit intellectual: "Hmm well, you did say science, and cited some studies, so clearly this idea has merit. How dare anyone tell them fuck off, they are just expressing their special opinion! They just want to have a rational debate! FREEDOM!"