Techrights

To a Year of Equity and Equality

Posted by Roy Schestowitz on Dec 29, 2023

Christmas Tree Balls

RACIAL and gender imbalances are well recognised in the fields of S.T.E.M. and in particular C.S. Many blame this - rightly or wrongly - on societal roles and colonialism.

This is not a "FOSS" (or Free software) issue, yet those trying to drive a wedge love to finger-point projects and people, accusing them of scaring minorities and women (women are in general not a minority; there are more women than men and the concept of racial minority depends on the local demography*). The issue is vastly broader than "FOSS". Ulrike Uhlig wrote about the aspect of unpaid volunteers quite recently. She explained why it's harder for women to participate in Free software. It's not about sexism.

What Red Hat has done is not the correct approach. My wife, who has a degree in C.S. and has worked hard to join the field of "I.T." professionally, thinks it's somewhat of an insult. Her problem wasn't being a woman or even colleagues' so-called "Whiteness" (to quote Red Hat). Companies contribute to stigma and stereotypes when they openly signal that women and particular races will receive special treatment. Mark Shuttleworth made a scandal for himself when he said "explaining to women"... (he does not think much of women)

Be wary of the hypocrites who are projecting. They don't help women. They deflect and try to make themselves look righteous. Some of these people are serial misogynists, including Microsoft's CEO. █

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• For instance, there are millions of Indian software developers; they're only a minority outside of India.