For me, I think diversity in Computer Science means providing a space for people of many different ideas and backgrounds to share ideas and contribute. I believe the best way to achieve this is to support groups of different races, socioeconomic statuses, genders, and beliefs in the pursuit of Computer Science so that there is always a good mixture of different people in the workplace. While I do mostly agree that a complete meritocracy seems like the most fair and equal system, I think that this system can leave us blind to new ideas and perspectives due to a concentration of similar biases. Thus, I feel that diversity within CSE is a worthwhile goal.
In order to achieve this goal, we must learn to tolerate and work with people who may have different values and perspectives. I think this is particularly important in the light of the "culture" of Computer Science. From my experience, computers and coding has a lot of stigmas and stereotypes associated with it, ranging from the nerdy kid with classes trying to hack into something to the "brogrammer" image of Silicon Valley. Furthermore, there is this general idea in society that Computer Science is an extremely complicated field in which only those with innate talent for working with computers can excel. As a part of promoting diversity within CSE, we have to be mindful of these deeply-ingrained beliefs and actively seek to dispel them. I worry that these images of the tech industry can have a depressing effect on the participation of those with different backgrounds from the typical programmer due to feelings that they "don't fit in" or "aren't meant to code."
As the president of LUG this year, I have seen firsthand the challenges associated with promoting diversity within Computer Science. I feel that I am always torn between maintaining the rather clique-y and exclusive feel of the original club and trying to include people who are newcomers, who don't fit in with the typical culture of CS, or who are women or minorities. For me, it's very difficult because there are many trade-offs that need to be considered when transitioning to a more inclusive community. For example, when planning events, the officers and I have to consider what would be best for our members (and potential members) as a whole rather than simply what we think would benefit us or people of the same experience level as us the most. As part of this, we have to also look beyond our current membership and consider what type of community we want to build in our club. I think this kind of forward thinking is important in the discussion of how to promote inclusivity in Computer Science and shows how we must work proactively rather than reactively in creating structures to support minority groups.
Unfortunately, as part of these efforts, I feel like we must express some degree of self-censorship and change the way we normally act in some cases. As part of being inclusive, we must consider the way our words and actions come across to people dissimilar to us. This can take many forms, such as avoiding telling jokes that may make people within the community uncomfortable or showing restraint and empathy when we disagree with the viewpoint of another person. I recognize that this is a trade-off that does not sit well with many people (including myself at times); however, I feel that it is critical to improving and expanding the community of CS.
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