Summary:
Tech industry's DEI allergy hits a new low with Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang's declaration of DEI as passé, replacing it with MEI: merit, excellence, and intelligence.
Wang's statement has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it ignores systemic barriers and simplifies complex social dynamics.
The article highlights the disconnect between Silicon Valley's pursuit of meritocracy and the reality faced by workers in economically depressed regions.
Other startup stories discussed include advancements in AI, a robot with living skin, and the legal battle surrounding Fisker's bankruptcy.
The article underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to DEI in the tech industry, acknowledging systemic issues and promoting equitable opportunities.
The tech industry's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has taken a concerning turn. Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, has declared DEI passé, replacing it with MEI: merit, excellence, and intelligence. This statement has been met with both applause from tech titans like Elon Musk and criticism from those who argue that it ignores systemic barriers and reduces complex social dynamics to a simplistic ideal. Meanwhile, Scale AI's annotators in economically depressed regions work for wages that wouldn't cover a decent meal in Silicon Valley. This disconnect highlights the blind spot in Silicon Valley's pursuit of meritocracy, where fairness and inclusion are often overlooked. The article further explores other interesting startup stories of the week, including AI advancements, a robot with living skin, and the financial struggles of Fisker.
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