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The Atlantic magazine is coming to San Francisco next week to host a conference as part of a long running campaign to improve diversity in US tech companies.
The Washington, D.C. based media company is warning about a backlash to greater diversity in the tech sector.
some in the industry have questioned whether efforts to turn the tide have gone too far. This backlash, along with numerous reports of sexism throughout the Valley, have left many wondering how to create real belonging in the innovation capital.
The one-day conference will “explore what change is needed to create lasting equity for all who work in the field.”
Tuesday, December 12 – San Francisco Free with RSVP
The day’s agenda starts with: Why is Silicon Valley So Awful to Women, And What’s Being Done About it? A Town Hall Conversation
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Foremski’s Take: The Atlantic has pulled together a great group of speakers and topics plus there are several lunch workshops. I like the focus on doing rather than talking and how to move things forward.
The Atlantic held a similar event a year ago and fortunately only one of the companies represented at the conference became a headline on the wrong side of the decency ledger in 2017.
A Scummy Valley…
Th Atlantic has been keeping up a sharp critical eye on Silicon Valley and its companies. Here’s some example headlines from 2017:
The Education of Mark Zuckerberg
Uber’s Latest Bad Thing Is Not Just About Uber
The Poverty Just Over the Hills From Silicon Valley
Why Is Silicon Valley So Awful to Women?
The Atlantic’s critiques of Silicon Valley are mostly well argued and valid. However, it is hard to get Silicon Valley’s attention. Because Silicon Valley doesn’t really exist — it’s an invention of the media.
People that live in the San Francisco Bay Area don’t identify with living in Silicon Valley. They live in Menlo Park, Burlingame, Mountain View, Woodside and dozens of other towns and neighborhoods.
And it is hard to get the attention of tech workers because of the always-on culture with its insular focus on work.