In the Techno-Racism Fight, Quitting Is Not Good Enough
May 12, 2021
IBM staked out the high ground over facial recognition last summer, when the company dropped its interest in the technology and warned of the potential for racial bias and human rights abuses. Now IBM is taking the so-named
techno-racismfight to a wider arena, with new programs aimed at ensuring a more diverse pipeline of talent for the technology sector.
Techno-racism and the tech industry
Earlier this week, CNN took a deep dive into the topic and presented several aspects of the issue.
One leading problem is the application of facial recognition technology to law enforcement. Facial recognition algorithms can be mistaken, and they have been shown to make far more mistakes in identifying people of color and women.
The AAPI Community Shouldn’t Have to Suffer in Silence
May 11, 2021
Another survey on diversity in the workplace has been released, and while the results are encouraging, it’s clear plenty of work lies ahead. Last year’s protests that called for social justice after the murder of George Floyd surely convinced more policy makers and business leaders to push for a fairer and more equitable society. But more often than not, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (also often referred to as the AAPI community) have largely been left out of the conversation.
The silence has festered during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as one study concluded that Asian Americans have been far more likely to be hospitalized, and 49 percent more likely to die compared to whites with similar sociodemographic traits and health conditions – a rate that outpaces that of Black and Latino Americans, who also have been stricken and dying at a disturbing rate. Various studies also found higher death
Lifewtr and Häagen-Dazs Amplify Marginalized Voices Through Hollywood Partnerships
May 12, 2021
Last year, there was much discussion about what constituted “real action” when it came to businesses taking a stand against systemic bias. Supportive corporate social media messages are nice and all, but genuine change requires opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard and shared. Some consumer brands are now working to bring more of these stories and talents to light, with the help of some of Hollywood’s biggest storytellers.
This spring, Issa Rae and Lena Waithe are partnering with Lifewtr and Häagen-Dazs, respectively, to support underrepresented artists both in front of and behind the camera.
Speak Up on Social and Political Issues, Employees Tell the Boss
May 04, 2021
In case the recent spate of police shootings, violence against Asian Americans and the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin have not made it clear to business leaders, a recent survey that queried more than 8,000 employed adults concludes that executives are in a good place when it comes to speaking up about the most contentious social and political issues here in the U.S.
Six in 10 employees said they want their companies’ senior leadership and CEOs to take a stand, according to a CNBC/Survey Monkey poll completed last month and announced on Friday. In a challenge to the long-held assumption that politics should stay out of the office, about the same percentage of employees (61 percent) say they feel comfortable sharing their political views with their colleagues.
These Corporate Executives Are Pushing Back on Voter Suppression Plan B
Apr 28, 2021
An organized mob of insurrectionists failed to overturn the 2020 presidential election by overtaking the U.S. Capitol and murdering Vice President Mike Pence last January 6. However, there is a Plan B, and voter suppression is central to this plan’s success.
Republican legislators in almost every state have introduced bills that could nullify the voice of millions of Democratic voters. These legislators may need to come up with a Plan C, though. U.S. business leaders helped to turn out record numbers of voters last year, and they are already gearing up for the crucial 2022 midterm elections. The big question is whether or not they choose to leverage the get-out-the-vote power of unions, too.