GitHub has, since the Horvath incident, made it pretty clear what kind of person they want to hire. And, frankly, that's fine.
There are plenty of places where I, as a competent white male, can get hired and promoted without difficulty. The fact that Github isn't one of those is not a systematic problem. More power to them.
If Github wants to pass on solid talent just because of that person's race or sex, that's their (foolish) decision. It's a seller's market, and that talent will go elsewhere.
That's not really what I'm asking, though. Yes, let's say it's not actually hard yet. Is it reasonable to ignore signs that things might get to that point and wait for if and when it does?
I think it's reasonable to worry well before that.
(I don't know what if anything we can or should do aside from worry.)
I don't know what your definition of major is, but Github is not it in my book. Don't get me wrong, they make a semi-decent product, better than anyone else at this point, but they are by no means the only solution in their market.
The problem will self-correct at some point once the lawsuits are filed and the cost of such efforts is visible to executive leadership and investors. Even if they settle the suits early on, it'll still be a very expensive lesson. Workplaces with problems like Github is apparently developing rarely get better on their own without first experiencing the consequences.
No it is not. Either we are all allowed to discriminate or none at all. If only some must have power to discriminate - I prefer the status quo. Since I like the white male privilege. I am fine with society without privilege. I will fight tooth and nail against one in which my privilege is transferred to someone else.
I wouldn't mind transferring my "privilege" whatever that is supposed to mean. Actually I would laugh at them. This "privilege" thing doesn't make me happy. Even if a lack of "privilege" would make me unhappy I don't care. I already am. The real world is a shitty place. Nothing here is worth living for.
Hey, very scary to hear you say that. My email is in my profile. Write me anytime if you want. Lots of people on HN love to help other people. Don't be shy about reaching out.
Obviously this is a controversial sentiment but it's refreshing to see somebody state it so plainly. The idea that I get special privileges I didn't earn is uncomfortable, but if we're going to try and change that I am scared of a simple reversal in which we punish me for being part of a privileged class.
That said, I don't think I "prefer" anything about the way the world works now.
If GitHub is rejecting otherwise qualified white males for employment they are opening themselves up to legal liability. I cannot imagine some of their statements wouldn't serve to hurt them in a trial.
There are plenty of places where I, as a competent white male, can get hired and promoted without difficulty. The fact that Github isn't one of those is not a systematic problem. More power to them.