Tag: unit 2

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Week of 6/15 discussion

  1. While going through my classmates canon posts, it is clear that there are multiple areas of interests as far as diversity and inclusion goes. What struck me was the post about “Bridging the generational gap” because that has always been something that has interested me outside of this class. I know age discrimination is certainly a thing, both for younger and older people, and it was neat to see this article about different generations working together. One passage from this post that was especially interesting to me was “His last suggestion is to include more technology in the curriculum. One way he suggested doing this is by incorporating fun and engaging games such as jeopardy to keep his students involved”. This stuck out to me because I have always had this assumption about the younger generation being highly reliant on technology, so it would naturally be incorporated into the learning style to keep them engaged. As for the media element that helped my understanding, I really appreciated the bar graph in the article discussing diversity in minority education. Bar graphs are simple, yet they paint a picture that is easy to understand.

3. The paragraph that touches on Webb blaming educational efforts and being obsessed with STEM and disregarding other areas of education is what I am focusing on for this. Bogost uses Webb’s statements aggressively to really drive an emphasis on this. Starting out with “Even though she’d like to see more diversity among tech workers, Webb blames educational efforts like those that Constellations is pursuing for the current state of affairs, at least in part. ” This sets the rest of the paragraph to explain why she thinks we need to do better in terms of educating people, and smoothly transitions to the next paragraph where she can give a counter example. In this case it is China, and how they teach children in a more organic way so that they are more versatile in their education rather than just focusing solely on one area.

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Discussion Posts- Isaac 6/15

  1. While reading the posts from my classmates I began realizing a pattern in what is taking place in our world. The population of the world is continuously growing exponentially, and where there was once a large barrier separating our world there is now connectivity that engages everyone into the global network. Through solid research, there is an endless list of minority groups and subgroups who face serious disadvantges in all aspects of life. The ideology behind a homogenous world can not work with such a connected population, and where there was once separation between cities and countries there is now a thorough mix of personalities and people spread around the world. 

I found myself struggling with pulling certain quotes or passages that align with many others, because everyone has found a new dark corner that needs attention. It seems like our world strives for the future but we are forgetting about who we may be leaving in the past. The disadvantaged groups such as women, people of color, neurodiverse individuals, and the LGBTQ+ community have struggled for centuries for an equal opportunity in life. The role that social media and the internet has played in connecting people with their minority groups and forming communities has been crucial, and the tools have given people who are born into a life of struggle a helping hand in a difficult world.

This class discussion has enabled me to peek behind the curtain of many industries I’m not fully engaged in, although most have the same underlying issue of the outdated organizational culture. The bar graph that reflects the racial proportions of the students in a school district and in the Gifted and Talented Education Program helps the reader visualize how much a person’s physical appearance can affect their lives. I found this post the most engaging because of how important the life of a child is; it is the time in a persons life where they learn what it means to be a person in our society, and to give a child a skewed perspective of our world can seriously hinder their chances at a successful life.

 

  1. The first rhetorical move I picked up on in Ian Bogost’s article was the writing style that uses smaller paragraphs to organize the information as it descends toward the conclusion.  This style of writing allows a reader to skim the article over with ease, and is a more practical set up for displaying the information. 

 

“But that’s an aspirational hope. Tech-industry diversity is improving, but it’s still pretty terrible. Women, black, and Latinx representation is particularly poor. That makes diversity a necessary but insufficient solution to social equity in computing systems.” 

 

This paragraphs only goal was to act as a transition between two longer informative paragraphs. It acts as a cushion between the two, and is made up of conclusion statements for the previous paragraph and introductory statements to open the reader up to what is next. Bogost uses this same method on a smaller scale as well. When two paragraphs involve each other they don’t need a transition paragraph, but they use a concluding/introductory statement or two at the beginning of the second paragraph. This is roughly the same idea as a transition paragraph just on a smaller scale. 

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Week of 6/15-Bogost Rhetorical Moves

Bogost starts off his article not by immediately addressing the problem but by introducing the character “Amy” as someone the audience can relate to. He uses the rhetoric method of introducing the most important topic to the audience first in order to keep them engaged with the argument being made. In TSIS it is highlighted that when constructing an argument it is important to first introduce the opinions of the general public about idea you are trying to convey.

Bogost in order to cement his influence to the audience and prove that he is a credible source provides his own background information. He says “Among them is the Constellations Center for Equity in Computing at Georgia Tech, where I hold faculty positions in the colleges of computing and liberal arts.” This helps show the audience that not only does he work with a group of qualified individuals but that he is dedicated to perfecting the system.

Bogost introduces the quote “For years, companies and educators in the tech sector have framed diversity as a “pipeline” problem.” and implements a rhetoric device outlined in TSIS. It is explained that when addressing a problem experienced by the general public you and generalize it to show that it is affecting a large scale of people. This one view has become the standard ideal but addressing it on a larger scale can help challenge such a widely accepted belief.

When the author includes the quote “(My colleague Hannah Giorgis, who also has a lot of curly hair, confirms that she, too, suffers a cranial pat-down every time she goes to the airport.)” He implements the opinions of others experiencing the same issue in hopes that the in the audience will feel a personal connection. By using quotes throughout the passage he is able to show that he cares about the opinions of others and wants their input when attempting to solve the problem.

When Bogost finishes off the article he ends by saying “Anyone who falls outside of that core group of interests are not being represented,” Webb said. If she’s right, then the problem with computing isn’t just that it doesn’t represent a diverse public’s needs.” When he does this he appeals to the audiences sense of advocacy and their need to feel represented in all environments. He asks the audience whether they wish to see progressive change and by engaging with them he paves a path for making changes in the future.

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Bogost Blog Post

The title from Ian Bogost’s article, The Problem With Diversity in Computing is a great example of how authors use rhetorical moves within there writing. The title is clear in stating the simplest point that Bogost connects back to throughout the text, which is problems with diversity in computing. A simple title gives the reader context making them comfortable immediately with the reading, it allows them to anticipate what else the article will discuss. The short description below the title “Tech’s discriminatory culture might never change, no matter how many women and people of color are invited into the room” note the potential conclusion that the article will come back to, beginning with the point of the article might seem like the author is giving away the ending, but it is a great strategy to convince the reader to keep reading and find out why the author makes this claim. 

The introduction paragraph tells a real story of Amy Webb who broke her ankle and had to wear a boot making her notice that her trip through PSA was riddled with problems due to the computer systems “not anticipating all the types of people who might use them.” The use of a real-life example connects the reader to the article because since most people have experienced going through TSA they can put themselves in the shoes of Amy Webb allowing them to understand what she went through creating an emotional appeal. That emotional appeal engages the reader, which is helpful when the goal is to persuade them. Using language like “all the types of people” also foreshadows that the article will discuss inclusion. 

Throughout this text, the author provides evidence to back up his claim by linking other articles that support the point. The addition of linking googles diversity report in a sentence that states “At Google, for example, more than 95 percent of technical workers are white or Asian” reassures the reader that the author is using correct data and allows them to follow emphasize the key points through other sources. 

There is plenty of facts and opinions from other experts on this topic such as “Kamau Bobb, the global lead for diversity research and strategy at Google and a senior director at Constellations”. The use of credible people agreeing with the author’s points gives the article credibility itself. Bogost also continues to use Webb’s narrative and what she concluded from her experience, as evidence keeping that connection with the audience that was developed in the first paragraph. Bogost uses Webb’s because the audience is aware of why she would think this way given they already know her story “Webb points to China as an alternative. There, kindergarten-age students nationwide will begin studying a textbook this year that’s designed to teach students the new basics of knowledge they need to succeed in a computational future.” This evidence is credible because it can be understood why Webb believes this. The article even concludes with a quote from Webb followed by the author stating “If she’s right”. The use of a statement like “If she’s right” poses a question the audience might have while reading this article. Following that up with “then the problem with computing isn’t just that it doesn’t represent a diverse public’s needs. Instead, the problem with computing is computing” provides the audience with the answer to that “what if” type of question leading the audience toward a distinct point to conclude.

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Bogost’s use of rhetoric

Bogost begins his article with an anecdote about a woman’s negative experience going through airport security. By “wagering” that most of his readers will have had similar experiences, he gets them to immediately identify with the subject of the story. He uses the familiar – going through airport security – to introduce a topic which is likely less familiar to readers, that of the consequences a lack of diversity in technology has had –  and will continue to have – on society.

Bogost uses the readers’ expectations against them. The title of the article,  “The Problem With Diversity in Computing” is only a slight hint; this article is actually going to challenge conventional wisdom.  He first introduces that conventional wisdom by using a version of “they say”. Rather than claim these positions as his own, Bogost presents them as those of companies and educators in the tech sector.

Bogost then shares that he teaches at Georgia Tech as part of the Constellations Center for Equity in Computing. One might assume that he will wax poetic about the great things they’re doing. Instead, he turns that assumption on its head, arguing that programs such as the Center are insufficient. In fact, the expert Bogot introduced in the first paragraph, Amy Webb, is described as being concerned with the current strategy for improving diversity with its current focus on software development.

Broadening the conversation to include different perspectives, Bogost includes quotes from Charles Isbell, the dean of computing at Georgia Tech, and Kamau Bobb, global lead for diversity research and strategy at Google. He weaves these quotes with quotes from Webb, as if he were a facilitator or host at a conference, rather than the author of a magazine article.

In his last paragraph, we finally get to read Bogost’s own opinion. After circling back to his opening paragraph by quoting Webb, he uses his last two sentences to respond directly to her position. He also leaves us with a heck of a closing statement: “The problem with computing is computing.” While the turn of phrase may come off a bit glib, it certainly leaves the reader with plenty to think about long after they’ve finished reading.

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Week of 6/15 – Bogost Rhetoric

A recurring rhetorical strategy Bogost applies is in crafting a descriptive narrative. The earliest example we see is when he describes NYU professor and author Amy Webb looking at a TSA security screen with her “cast, head, and breasts [as] big blocks of yellow.” Any immediate response in reading this would itch for an explanation serving to keep the audience curious and invested in the storyline.

Bogost signals that “she had other problems with the machines, too, including that her mop of thick, curly hair confuses them.” He even goes onto mention that another colleague too received similar treatment issuing a “cranial patdown.” This conversational tone keeps a reader-friendly framework to appeal to his intended audience of a publishing blog/ journal webpage. More importantly, however, is understanding that Bogost’s decision to introduce more people/ issues into the eclectic mix suggests that maybe the issue with tech, as we come to find out, isn’t a specific a lone case, but rather a familiar situation recognized by many others.

Later on we begin to understand where Bogost stands on the issue which is best interpreted under one of TSIS’s template of “Okay, but…” It’s evident when he mentions the “Tech industry diversity is improving but it’s still pretty terrible.” Acknowledging what they (the tech industry) say moves the anecdotes Bogost gave with a larger subject the readers can process in mind. In doing so the rhetoric behind the title of his article gains scale presenting the issues and insufficient solutions we’re currently at.

Following the ‘they say’ format, Bogost is also seen challenging the conventional wisdom of diversity and inclusion. He’s explicit in saying “the thinking goes…” when describing how the people with the right educational background, connection, and  access will, “produce the workforce that Webb and others are calling for.” This claim reinstates the negative consequences a lack of computational diversity presents with its logistical train of thought.

And finally, he rounds out his argument sharing insight of his own experience on the subject. By introducing himself as a faculty position holder at Georgia Techs Constellation Center for Equity in Computing, Bogost appeals to audiences who may have questioned his accountability or reason to write on the subject. He adds to the conversation sharing data, statistics (such as the one on Google), and other scholarly directors/ leaders  perspective in the field opening lines for a fruitful discussion and strengthening his credibility with broader audiences.

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Bogost’s Rhetoric Blog Post

The article begins by introducing a protagonist, Amy Webb who broke her ankle and was forced to use the backscatter machines in the airport that produce X-Ray images of passengers. This was a great way to start off this article because it gets the reader involved instantly introduces what the rest of the article is going to be about. The author then goes on to say how Amy turned that inconvenience of breaking her ankle, into an opportunity to watch how technology like that works.

The next rhetoric device I noticed was how the author explains his role at Georgia Tech in the “Constellations Center for Equity in Computing.” Bogost states how their goal is to increase access to computer science education among women and people of color. Bogost then gives many facts and states that integration is much harder than diversity.

Isbell, who also worked at Georgia Tech thinks that two separate conditions should be met in order to accomplish their goal. “One is that the new folks are both capable and confident. The other is that the old folks are willing.” Using quotes throughout the article is a great way to prove the authors points and convey the message thats being conveyed throughout. In addition to the quotes from Isbell, Bogost includes quotes from Kamau Bobb, the global lead for diversity research and strategy at Google and a senior director at Constellations. Bogost explains how Bobb isn’t so sure the tech industry is willing to diversify. he gives numerous quotes that Bogost includes in this article which helps prove his point and is very effective.

“Their goal is to get more people in the game, not necessarily to change the rules of that game..” This quote really stuck with me. . A rhetoric device is used here to convey Bogost and Bobb’s message. They showed having a very confident tone which. also. helps prove their point.

The article ends with Webb describing how women, people of color and others are being discriminated against when it comes to computing and how it should change.“We’re all discriminated against by computing.”  “Anyone who falls outside of that core group of interests are not being represented,” Webb said. The last line of the article was in my opinion a very effective way of closing It out. If Webb is in fact right about all this, “the problem with computing is computing.”

 

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Week of 6/15 Discussion Post – Dominique

  1. After reading my classmates posts, I found that everyone has different areas of diversity that they are interested in. Some of the issues that stood out to me include equal opportunities for minorities in education, disability and employment, and diversity in higher education. The reason that I found equal opportunities for minorities in education is because being an education major, I have learned that there are some teachers out there who overlook students who are minorities, and do not allow them to have the same opportunities as their peers. When I become a teacher, I never want my students to feel out of place or left out in my classroom because they are a minority. I want each student to feel that they are valued equally as they should be. The issue of disability and employment was interesting to me because I think that research that will help include more people who have disabilities in the workplace is always a good thing. In the future, I hope to see disabilities represented more. The last issue that I included in this post was diversity in higher education. The reason that I thought this was interesting is because I agree, and believe that it is true that people learn better when they are with others who are different. I think that everyone should have equal opportunities, and should not have to defend themselves because they are different. One of the media elements that made an impression on me was the one about equal opportunities for minorities in education. This is because the diagram shows just how unequal access to gifted education programs really is for minorities. This graph stood out to me because it is easy to understand, and is overall very impactful. 
  1. In my opinion, Bogost does a great job of transitioning into new ideas. One area of his article that stood out to me because of the transition was when Bogost was talking about  diversity being seen as a “pipeline” issue. In this paragraph, Bogost explains that people who have a good background in education have access to more that will allow them to eventually obtain a good job with their connections. He then says that fixing this issue will allow for a workforce that includes different types of people. Bogost set himself up for his next paragraph because that is where he gives an example of an organization that is working on resolving this issue. Bogost further describes the organization by saying, “The center’s goal is to increase access to computer-science education among women and people of color”. This explanation helps the reader to better understand why a center like this is important. Overall, I think that Bogost did a good job of transitioning in this section of the article.
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Week of 6/15, Bogost’s rhetorical moves

The introductory paragraph to Ian Bogost’s article “The Problem with Diversity in Computing” exemplifies the story of an injured Amy Webb and features her firsthand experience facing the ignorance of computer software. This is the first rhetorical move Bogost makes, and it introduces an issue the majority of people don’t have to worry about, but should care about. People of color, especially black and Latinx, and women face an inclusion problem that can have severe consequences when computer software is relied on in countless fields.

 

“Among them is the Constellations Center for Equity in Computing at Georgia Tech, where I hold faculty positions in the colleges of computing and liberal arts,” Bogost states his position at Georgia Tech to inform the reader of his legitimacy of the information he is sharing. Following this quote, Bogost expands on how the computer-science center at Georgia Tech is working towards expanding access to computer-science to people of color and women, and their ongoing funding going to public schools in Atlanta for computer-science classes. 

 

The use of survey data is used to solidify key examples of Bogost’s argument. He addresses Google’s workforce which is made up of 95% White or Asian people, this fact adds to the idea that systemic privilege prevents minorities from being given the same opportunities in the computing industry. Data collected from China is used as well, “There, kindergarten-age students nationwide will begin studying a textbook this year that’s designed to teach students the new basics of knowledge they need to succeed in a computational future,”. The addition of this fact is used to inform the reader on steps that are already being taken to improve computational skills elsewhere in the world. China makes up roughly 18% of the global population and is a leading country in the computer-science industry, the steps they are taking education-wise are important to know because of how large of an impact China can have on our world. 

 

In Ian Bogost’s article, quotes from his colleagues are used to develop an emotional aspect that is less informative, and more compassionate.“The integration of women, people of color, and other underrepresented voices would mean that the behavior of the entire industry would change as a result of their presence in that community. ‘Diversity is just membership,’ Isbell said. ‘Integration is influence, power, and partnership.’” The quote opens the reader up to a new definition of diversity, where organizations in our current culture are obligated to diversify their workforce, although many are reluctant to fully integrate the minority groups because of the prejudices they have towards them.

 

The last statement made in Ian Bogost’s article provides the reader with an idea where deeper thinking is necessary. “That culture replaces all knowledge and interests with the pursuit of technological solutions at maximum speed. “Anyone who falls outside of that core group of interests are not being represented,” Webb said. If she’s right, then the problem with computing isn’t just that it doesn’t represent a diverse public’s needs. Instead, the problem with computing is computing.” The quote follows a series of paragraphs addressing the economic mentality of many of the large companies that run our computing world. In the post-industrial capitalist world, we tend to forget about the moral codes we stand by personally, and to combat the ongoing inclusion issues in the computing industry, we must stop computing for computing’s sake, and start computing for our fellow human’s sake.

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Week of 6/15 Bogost Blog Post – Dominique

When reading Ian Bogost’s article, “The problem with diversity in computing”, I noticed that he used a lot of examples and rhetorical moves in order to get his point across. Bogost begins his article with a story that is easy to understand, which is how he introduces his topic. Bogost jumps right in instead of explaining his topic; the first sentence in the article is “When Amy Webb broke her ankle, she was forced to hobble around on a walking boot”. This sentence does not make it seem like Bogost is going to be talking about diversity in technology, which allows the reader to remain interested in the article, and makes them want to keep reading. 

The second rhetorical move that I noticed was the use of logos, which is a way of persuasion using logic. Bogost uses logos throughout most of the article by stating facts. For example, while talking about diversity and access to education, he states that at Google, “more than 95 percent of technical workers are white or Asian”. Facts often convince readers to agree with what an author is saying. 

A third rhetorical move that I saw in Bogost’s article was personification by using the words, “Computers have started issuing prison sentences” when talking about technology not being able to predict diversity. Obviously, computers cannot literally issue prison sentences, but this use of personification allows the reader to see the importance of this topic.

Furthermore,  Bogost uses repetition in order to emphasize the point that technology tends to leave diversity out when talking about Webb at the airport. Bogost quotes Webb, then further explains her point when he says, “someone like me wasn’t in the room” when the system was designed, or when it was trained on images of human forms, or when it was tested before rollout”. Repetition of the word “when”, followed by an example is powerful here because it shows just how much diversity can be ignored.

Finally, I found that Bogost tends to use certain words that draw the reader’s attention. For example, he talks about how tech-industry diversity is improving a little bit, but he uses negative words in order to make a few sentences stand out. Bogost says, “Tech-industry diversity is improving, but it’s still pretty terrible. Women, black, and Latinx representation is particularly poor”. The words “terrible” and “poor” used while talking about the same point help the reader to understand how bad the situation really is, because these words draw attention.