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I recently read an article about issues facing minorities in silicon valley. Like many nowadays, the article primarily had elements to enrage a reader about the tech world. While that is sufficient for media outlets to drive their ad and book sales, it does little for actual minorities in tech. In fact, it is very detrimental.
The narrative that depicts the tech industry as completely toxic with stereotypical anti-social white men as the villains running it robs minorities of many great role models whose paths could propel them to success as well. The kid in this picture, Bill Gates, looks nothing like me. But his ingenuity and early vision to put a computer on every desk is something I could always relate to. From seeing where his journey took him, I knew a path I could follow too.
Thatâs why I was building software, getting A.I patents as a teenager and now have my platform, Market Sensei, used everyday in 100+ countries. Ultimately, Bill Gates and many other previous great tech entrepreneurs do not look like me but they donât have to. So, what follows is my honest take.
One cannot add new ingredients to a pot by simply stirring the pot.
Similarly, one cannot add more or new color to a pot by simply stirring it either. If there are not enough minorities (women, people of color e.t.c) in tech then how does stirring and agitating the pot contribute to having more minorities included? It does not. It just creates a turbulent environment for both the new minorities looking to enter tech and the minorities already in tech.
Controversy and outrage is too lucrative for media
In this era, for the media, controversy and outrage gets more clicks than a well researched and objective piece about the good work an unknown minority entrepreneurs or tech professionals do with startups. And, for news sites along with book sellers clicks and ad clicks, are equivalent to the sound of a cash register.
Is choosing to portray the tech industry as a sexist, racist and prejudice filled industry the best way to get more women, people of color and other underrepresented groups to rush to join?
Personally, I want more underrepresented groups rushing to the tech industry because building products that impact millions and create jobs is one of the most fulfilling things one can do. But, because the reward is so fulfilling, even in an ideal world, it is a very demanding journey for anyone regardless of their background.
As someone who has been a member of the tech community for their entire adult life, Iâve seen and experienced both its very good and the very bad. Where possible, Iâve tried to ensure I help the good triumph over the bad. Perhaps because of the people I choose to surround myself with, I know far more well-intentioned people in tech, and far more people tackling challenging problems with their startups for social good than people allegedly organizing âcuddle puddlesâ to guide their startup investments. And, what I do know is that, more often than not, the good people in tech are overlooked and not supported by the same media outlets eager to incite outrage towards the tech industry they cover. There are numerous examples of great tech entrepreneurs and tech minds that paid the price for good work they stood for with their lives as the media shunned & ridiculed them.
There is a reason the public reads more news about lavishly funded startups than other startups regardless of how well other startups performs. It is not because more lavishly funded startups provide more value to consumers or society. In fact, a major piece of the outrage the media is trying to place against the tech industry is around the fact that too many lavishly funded startups do not solve significant problems for society.
But money gets attention, and for the media that claims to bring social consciousness to the tech industry: money is king and queen. But, true change can only come when the tech media really examines their own toxic coverage culture that puts all values and moral consciousness aside for their love of all things money.
As a member of the tech industry that is overlooked by the same media now monetizing outrage about matters affecting underrepresented people in tech, this is how it looks: Many underrepresented people in tech as well as âtraditionally representedâ members have been in the office working hard on these issues since 6:00AM, youâre waiting for 9:15AM and not with real actions towards resolving issues but with a pep talk of no or negative value.
Action speaks louder than words
Most startups start with a family and friend funding round. So for anyone who truly cares about having more traditionally underrepresented entrepreneurs, then be friends with more of them and ,when push comes to shove, support them and contribute to their family and friend funding round to get them going.
Lastly, for any tech entrepreneur, the most successful company they can build is one where their customers are their most willing and best investors. Customers are your most willing investors when they love your products and spend time enjoying and in some way paying for your products. Customers are the best investors because they donât demand equity when they buy into your products and vision. When you have that, it doesnât matter how many angel investors or venture capitalists turn you down because your business wonât even need them. Thatâs how Iâm building my A.I startup, Market Sensei.
Driving inclusion responsibly was originally published in Hacker Noon on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the views of Bitcoin Insider. Every investment and trading move involves risk - this is especially true for cryptocurrencies given their volatility. We strongly advise our readers to conduct their own research when making a decision.