Shockingly, his first question had nothing to do with technology. “Why do all the Black kids sit at the same table at school?” he asked. I was taken aback but tried to explain the social dynamics that might be at play. He followed with, “Why is it no longer okay to say nr?”
That's just insane. What on earth would make someone think those questions are anything relevant to work?
Maybe it's because I'm a "person of color" - even though I'm not "black" - but race is the last thing on my mind when I'm interviewing candidates or trying to push a new release to production. I've been patted down by store managers because they thought I was suspicious. I've been turned away from bars/clubs because I would "cause trouble." None of these things relates to how I comment on code, implement a design, build some architecture etc...
Conversations like this are difficult to have in the workplace, but ultimately necessary in creating an inclusive environment.
Sorry I disagree here. I don't think they are necessary. It's certainly helpful to relate to and have a great relationship with your fellow co-workers, but there are literally hundreds of other aspects of someone's life to get into other than ethnicity, sexuality or religion - the hottest button issues around.
That is taking into consideration that race is such a big part of daily life for black and "dark" people. If nothing else work should be a place where race questions aren't even in the air.
> If nothing else work should be a place where race questions aren't even in the air.
If only that were possible. Sadly, people have blended their work, public and private life so much that it seems to me that everything is about everything now. The concept of different spheres is now dead and buried. I'm not sure that was a wise move, personally.
I also wonder, now that "meritocracy" is a bad word, what can we use to promote the idea that you can earn something through talent? I mean, we are now denied use of the word that literally means "a place where you achieve based on talent", so how do we even have a discussion about this? It seems the idea of a workplace where you get what you earn is no longer possible to discuss, so how it can be implemented is beyond me.
A bit off-topic: The word "meritocracy" carried negative connotations even at its birth. From Wikipedia:
'Although the concept has existed for centuries, the term "meritocracy" was first coined in the 1950s. It was used by British politician and sociologist Michael Young in his 1958 satirical essay The Rise of the Meritocracy, which pictured the United Kingdom under the rule of a government favouring intelligence and aptitude (merit) above all else...
In this book the term had distinctly negative connotations as Young questioned both the legitimacy of the selection process used to become a member of this elite and the outcomes of being ruled by such a narrowly defined group.'
Maybe not necessary, but I could see how they might be helpful amongst colleagues more so than in a work relationship with a power imbalance (boss, interviewer, etc).
I don't know that I entirely agree... and while an interview is a bad time to make this, getting to know someone often includes getting to know their political views or sexual alignment. You don't always have enough insight into another culture to even understand, and sometimes it can be helpful.
I don't necessarily think of this as a race thing, so much as a culture thing. People with similar physical appearances from different cultures will have very different viewpoints and personalities. That said, there are some racist motherfuckers out there on all sides.
Please don't try to find out someone's "sexual alignment" in a job interview. That way leads to lawsuits.
Please make sure to consult with an HR/hiring specialist before conducting interviews to tell what is legal to ask in an interview in your locality - it changes, and many things should not be asked (typically sexual alignment is on that list).
Try the 5yo test... is this question something a 5yo might ask/say? If so, be patient, answer and move on. Sometimes the lack of knowledge and curiosity get the better of people.
Sexual alignment isn't likely to pass such a test. However outward appearance differences or obvious cultural differences might be.
That's just insane. What on earth would make someone think those questions are anything relevant to work?
Maybe it's because I'm a "person of color" - even though I'm not "black" - but race is the last thing on my mind when I'm interviewing candidates or trying to push a new release to production. I've been patted down by store managers because they thought I was suspicious. I've been turned away from bars/clubs because I would "cause trouble." None of these things relates to how I comment on code, implement a design, build some architecture etc...
Conversations like this are difficult to have in the workplace, but ultimately necessary in creating an inclusive environment.
Sorry I disagree here. I don't think they are necessary. It's certainly helpful to relate to and have a great relationship with your fellow co-workers, but there are literally hundreds of other aspects of someone's life to get into other than ethnicity, sexuality or religion - the hottest button issues around.
That is taking into consideration that race is such a big part of daily life for black and "dark" people. If nothing else work should be a place where race questions aren't even in the air.