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Re:My father was IBM’s first black software engineer by Consultant32452 on Sunday September 22, 2019 @11:57PM (#21045809)
Not just African Americans. In my experience Hispanics are just as non-existent in tech, and they are a larger percentage of the population than AAs.
Re:My father was IBM’s first black software engineer by umvi on Monday September 23, 2019 @12:41AM (#21045954)
My guess is that it is a cultural thing. Black/Hispanic parents don't push their kids toward tech careers. Similar to how black/hispanic parents (in America) don't push their kids to learn to swim. The reason their cultures are this way are complex and span generations.

Indian parents, on the other hand, aggressively push their kids into tech. Heck, a lot of my Indian co-workers don't even like programming but their parents basically forced them into it.

Re:My father was IBM’s first black software engineer by GaryNumanVevo on Monday September 23, 2019 @04:22PM (#21053160)
The stereotype that African American's can't swim isn't a failing on the parent's part. They were actively banned from public swimming pools, especially in the southern US. If your parents didn't grow up swimming, they're less likely to take you. Even today Black people in the south face discrimination at public / private pools.
Re:My father was IBM’s first black software engineer by umvi on Monday September 23, 2019 @04:42PM (#21053378)
It's not so much a stereotype as it is a statistical reality. And I never said it was a personal failing, I alluded that the reasons they don't push their kids to swim are complex.

> If your parents didn't grow up swimming, they're less likely to take you.

Furthermore, if your parents can't swim, they may harbor fear of the water or drowning and seek to "protect" their children by actively avoiding pools or swim lessons, and thus the cycle will continue for many generations.

Re:My father was IBM’s first black software engineer by jmpman on Monday September 23, 2019 @12:03AM (#21045833)
I’ve worked with a much greater number of Hispanics. In my limited exposure, Hispanic women seem to do especially well.