# Beyond the Mean

DevFeed: [Beyond the Mean](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/beyond-the-mean-19824.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://tech.gc.com/beyond-the-mean/>)

Author: GameChanger

Published: 2017-08-23T15:33:33Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [GameChanger](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/gamechanger.md>)

Topics: [Google](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/google.md>), [Software](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software.md>), [Sports](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/sports.md>)

Tags: [diversity](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/diversity.md>), [google](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/google.md>), [inclusion](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/inclusion.md>), [insights](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/insights.md>), [news](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/news.md>), [responses](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/responses.md>), [safety](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/safety.md>), [software-engineer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-engineer.md>), [tech](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/tech.md>), [work](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/work.md>)

## AI overview

A woman software engineer at a sports technology company reflects on the Google Memo and its effects on diversity, inclusion, and psychological safety in the technology industry. The article argues that open discussion is important, but the content and framing of opinions also matter when they reinforce gender stereotypes or make colleagues feel less safe.

## Source excerpt

I work as a software engineer at a sports tech company and I am a woman. These facts about my life are why I continue to be distressed about the news of the Google Memo, written by software engineer James Damore, and its ramifications for my industry. While the headlines may make the memo seem like it was written by a deranged maniac, the fact that it wasn't written as a blatant anti-diversity statement (it begins: "I value diversity and inclusion, am not denying that sexism exists, and don't endorse using stereotypes") is one of the things that makes it harder for people to be immediately outraged about its contents (and why this discussion is so fascinating and important). As a software engineer, questioning assumptions and raising potentially controversial ideas is part of the job. I agree with the Damore's assertion that "If we can't have an honest discussion about this, then we can never truly solve the problem." The topic of diversity is critically important and I want to add my voice and insights to the discussion as honestly as possible. I agree with the myriad of responses suggesting that there were many productive ways that Damore could have raised some of his concerns, such as his views that conservative viewpoints aren't valued in tech or that the diversity programs at Google should be more inclusive, without perpetuating gender stereotypes to make his point. I am pained to see that people are now afraid to raise controversial or minority opinions or ask questions because of the consequences of this memo. But the issue for me is not the theoretical or hypothetical raising of unpopular opinions. In theory I absolutely agree that is very important. But I want to focus on the reality of this situation and the memo that was actually published. Damore's main argument is that "Google's political bias has equated the freedom from offense with psychological safety, but shaming into silence is the antithesis of psychological safety." However, you can't ask for ps