We'll explore the concepts from Parable of the Polygons (PotP) within the context of diversity in tech.
Let's say tech executives (consciously or subconsciously) seek teams in which at least 1/3 of team members are like them (gender, age, race). How will this impact the types of jobs available?
I suppose it would depend on the gender, age, and race of the executives. It would seem that if the race, age, and gender, of tech execs matched that of the general population, then their workforce would match as well. This probably isn't true, although I don't know the actual statistics. Assuming that all tech execs are white men, which seems to be where this question is leading, then I'd assume the available jobs would lean that way as well.
Diversity "quotas" are sometimes dismissed as counter-productive or missing the point of actually valuing diversity. PotP does demonstrate how they may add some value. What are your attitudes toward diversity quotas; does this game change your assumptions?
Let's, for a moment, insist that Turing had a strict diversity quota on enrollment. Immediately, there would be a significant drop in enrollment, since a majority of students are white--and a majority of the white students are male.
In many situations, a strict diversity quota simply wouldn't work. However, if your version of a diversity quota is to ensure that you actively market your business, school, or work position, to underrepresented groups, then I think that has the potential to help your business and increase happiness among employees--as well as find the best and most qualified talent.
I believe there is danger on both sides of this argument. It is important, beneficial, and profitable for a group to be diverse. It is also important, beneficial, and profitable for a business to hire the most qualified/best talent available, and to do so with a long-term view, trying to determine the potential of the individual applying for the position. This is, needless to say, difficult.
Given the patterns illuminated by PotP, what other strategies may be effective in counteracting bias?
The game is, I believe, suggesting diversity quotas--i.e. moving if too low of a percentage of people are different.
PotP speaks to the power of group norms: a seemingly innocuous attitude, wanting to be surrounded by at least 1/3 of people who look like you, when embraced by a large group, can have huge implications on that community. Considering this reality, what knowledge and understandings should Turing impart to students to ensure they do not enter the field perpetuating ideas that are in conflict with our mission.
I've written about this in other gear up sessions. But I recommend love. Teach people that love is that only force powerful enough to conquor hate. Teach people to love each other regardless of their views or backgrounds. I think forcing diversity has led groups to hate not only others, but even themselves. Loving people has a byproduct of diversity, but not simply for the sake of diversity. Love isn't a show, so that others don't think you are racist. Love isn't selfish--it doesn't try to create a diverse environment for the sake of profit. Rather, love IS the product, and the byprodoct is the results of your work.
As well, there is a pipeline issue. If the number of people from a particular minority group doesn't change, then I don't see how a company can address the issue. In the game, if you lower the number from one group to a small number, then everyone is in a state of perputal movement/unhappiness--only a few isolated pods are happy. I think this is a more realistic representation of how our world is working (or isn't working).
PotP is a pretty sweet example of how technology can illustrate complex ideas. What are PotP's goals, and how effective do you think the game is in advancing those goals?
I think it depends on the audience. Most grownups are pretty set in their views and assume they are right. Not many people over college undergrad age change their opinions easily. However, I liked the data visualization, and I think the presentation was thought-provoking, moreso than a blog post would have been.