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Lending Privilege by Anjuan Simmons Diversity and inclusion have become hot topics in technology, but you may not know how you can make a difference. However, this talk will help you understand that, no matter your background, you have privilege and can lend it to marginalized groups in tech.
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In Anjuan Simmons's talk titled 'Lending Privilege' at RubyConf 2017, he addresses the critical issues of diversity and inclusion within the technology sector. Recognizing that technology lacks representation, particularly of women and people of color, Simmons emphasizes that those with privilege can lend their advantages to marginalized groups to foster equity. Key points discussed include: - **Power of Privilege**: Simmons uses the example of Leonard Nimoy's advocacy for equal pay for fellow actress Nichelle Nichols as a model for how individuals can leverage their privilege for the benefit of others. - **Lack of Representation**: The tech industry suffers from imbalanced representation, leading to unintended consequences as technologies are developed by a homogenous group. - **Diversity and Business Benefits**: Studies show a positive correlation between diversity and improved business performance, highlighting that equitable representation leads to greater success. - **Difference Between Diversity and Inclusion**: Diversity means inviting people of varied backgrounds, while inclusion ensures they feel welcome; both are crucial for a thriving tech community. - **Grassroots Movements**: True change will come from collective efforts rather than relying solely on corporations. Simmons encourages individuals to actively foster an inclusive environment. - **Types of Privilege Lending**: Simmons identifies three methods of lending privilege: credibility lending (providing visibility), access lending (creating opportunities), and expertise lending (providing a voice). - **Call to Action**: He urges the audience to recognize their own privileges and utilize them to support colleagues who may face systemic barriers. Simmons concludes that fostering diversity and inclusion is not a mere aspiration but a necessary action in building equitable technology. He encourages leveraging privilege to dismantle barriers and facilitate a more inclusive tech industry, ultimately suggesting that a commitment to this cause is essential for everyone involved in technology. The audience is left with a sense of responsibility to contribute positively to their communities through mindful actions and support for underrepresented individuals in tech.
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