Samantha @hashtaggrammar@qoto.org

@SecondJon That sounds to me like an oversimplication of the issue. In a way you're right, because you and I could look the same, but if I grew up poor in a different country and you grew up rich in another, we are more likely going to have more diversity of thought. Socioeconomic background, political background, all that shapes us. However, hiring teams can certainly start by at least taking it seriously that they should hire people of a different gender, sexual orientation, race, etc. Studies show we lack diversity on teams because we hire people who remind us of us. So we have to start somewhere.

@Surasanji @SecondJon Circling back for a minute, I do understand where you're coming from, but politics and fiction are also separate issues. You're representing yourself when you enter politics. As an actor, you're hiding yourself. I'm not saying The Cosby Show isn't completely skunked, but it doesn't change the fact that Dr. Huxtable was a fictional character. I'm sure we could start citing many people who were horrible people who still brought brilliant art, or fictional characters, to life.

@Surasanji I haven't really considered that cognitive dissonance. Cliff Huxtable is a fictional character who loved his wife and, presumably, never raped women. As soon as I learned of the rumors, I proclaimed that I could hate Bill Cosby (...ruining such iconic standup that I grew up on...) but I could still admire Dr. Huxtable and what that show did.

@cambridgeport90 I didn't get that impression. It's kind of silly to be completely against the tech giants. They all have their pros and cons.

@cambridgeport90 You should consider coming to a STEM-focused instance like QOTO! Lots of like-minded folks.

@dildog I know what you mean, vaguely, but I also think it takes a huge ego to push oneself forward in competitive fields. Do people who are modest and self-effacing change the world? Maybe some do, but it's usually that ego that helps push people past all the devastating self-doubt the rest of us are plagued with. I can be harmful, yes, but I understand it.

@dildog So with this logic, everyone should just...stop trying?

@coyotesqrl @Surasanji This might not be standard, but it's also not terribly uncommon. The highest-rated burger in my hometown has peanut butter and hot peppers.

@aaroncolichia It takes some time to get back into the interviewing groove!

@chartier How badass

@bigben Aren't you under scaffolding?

@freemo @commandelicious @Surasanji Some things are just unquestionable. I'm basically saying, I'll debate differing opinions all day long as long... as they aren't bigoted views. In real life I've had successful debates; a few months ago I even got a Vietnam Vet wearing a MAGA shirt to admit he'd vote for Michelle Obama. ;) I reject the notion that engaging with the other side is totally pointless, and I actually usually feel like a minority with that opinion in my real life.

@commandelicious @Surasanji @freemo Well let's put it another way. I guess the contrarian in me is always at work, so another part of me is like...what if you're a pedophile and you want a safe space to talk about wanting to act on your impulses? Are we just going to be like... you do you, boo?

The line does need to be drawn somewhere, no?

@Surasanji @commandelicious @freemo I agree with you completely, and I love to debate. However, unfortunately I do think lately, here in the US anyway, there hasn't been much distinction between "opinions" (of say, a policy matter or how to fix issues) and actual values that our country was founded on. I miss the days when I could just debate gun policy, abortion, tax policy here in the US rather than feeling like instead I'd like to remind people that marginalized groups deserve to be treated like people. That's just where I draw the line, you know?

@freemo I'm not familiar with this matter at all. Can I ask what bofa is?

@Surasanji I'm torn between either asking Jesus to clarify exactly what he wanted people to do in his name in the 21st century, or asking James Madison to clarify the second amendment a little more.

@williamlweaver Don't worry, I'm only going to go after you for being left-handed. (JK)

@masterofthetiger @freemo These are all interesting perspectives. I don't believe in religion, but I always found the taoism idea that good doesn't exist without evil to make the most sense. As for morality, I think it's interesting to read up on what parts of our brain dictates right from wrong and how this part is damaged on people who commit pure evil, or even people with no compass who don't necessarily kill people. (Jon Ronson goes into that in The Psychopath Test)

@QuentinMann @freemo @Surasanji @arteteco

I see your point that once you're in the group, it's harder to step outside and see the bullshit of your own side. However, I am liberal, and I am not in these liberal pockets that "worship" the FBI/CIA. I certainly know they've had a troublesome past. I'd guess there are liberals out there who are, but I haven't seen 'em.

Within the Democratic party, there is a lot of in-fighting; just because you're liberal doesn't mean you're blind to the corruption of the Democrats. There is a lot of discussion, and primary voting, signalling that the new wave of progressives won't stand for some of the old ways.

@arteteco @freemo @Surasanji

I learned about the topic through the podcast You Are Not So Smart, episodes Tribal Psychology and Uncivil Agreement.

This is all in terms of the political sphere, because politics divides us into "us vs them." Science is science and facts are facts. But each gets skunked once it's politicized. If you can make sure that cell theory doesn't enter the political sphere, no one will claim we don't see cells. But if it's a "liberal" issue, then conservatives will find ways to say it's all a conspiracy. Case in point: flat earthers.

What's encouraging is everyone believes scientific findings when it's presented objectively. Then it's just the issue of making sure the science is sound...which is a separate topic!