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00:00:00 – 00:10:40
The speaker recounts various personal experiences to illustrate the practice and consequences of code-switching, which involves changing language or behavior to fit different social contexts. This need for adaptation is highlighted through a disturbing encounter with police and a transition to a new school environment, reflecting on how code-switching can impact personal safety, interaction quality, and career progression. The speaker, touching on the struggles of marginalized groups—particularly black women in tech—addresses broader issues such as cultural appropriation, workplace discrimination, and the significant challenges in securing venture capital funding. Emphasizing the importance of genuine diversity, the speaker advocates for environments that celebrate unique cultural expressions to enable true self-representation and equitable opportunities.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the speaker recounts an unsettling experience with local law enforcement after moving back from Berlin. Due to the absence of a car and visible activity inside the house, an elderly neighbor mistakenly believed the house was being burglarized and called the police. The speaker describes the frightening scene of four police officers with guns drawn, demanding they exit the house with their hands up. Reflecting on the encounter, the speaker raises important questions about the impact of appearance and behavior, particularly in relation to code-switching. The speaker explains that code-switching involves alternating languages or subtly changing self-expression to fit different contexts. They emphasize that learning to code-switch from a young age may have played a crucial role in surviving this encounter.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reflects on learning to use “you all” instead of “y’all” in formal situations and delves into the concept of code-switching. They explain how technology connects diverse backgrounds, leading to expectations of code-switching, which often undermines true diversity. The speaker shares a personal story from 1992, describing their transition to a new school where they felt the need to change their appearance and behavior to fit in with their classmates, thereby learning to code-switch to become culturally compatible. The narrative illustrates how adapting one’s behavior to fit in can be crucial, citing the example of Henry Louis Gates Jr., whose ability to articulate during an incident with police led to a relatively satisfactory outcome. The segment highlights the significant impact of code-switching on personal safety and professional interactions.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker addresses the significant consequences of code-switching, including missing out on promotions, cultural appropriation disparities, and workplace discrimination related to natural hair. They explain the personal impact of being labeled with terms like “Oreo,” reflecting on this concept during their formative years and the pressure to conceal aspects of their identity depending on their social context. The speaker advocates for genuine diversity where uniqueness is celebrated rather than disciplined, emphasizing the importance of accepting different speech patterns and cultural expressions. They conclude by discussing their professional journey as a black woman tech founder, highlighting how code-switching has influenced their career opportunities and their ambition to create positive global change.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by her demographic in achieving success in the tech industry, specifically regarding the ability to raise capital for ventures. Despite data showing that black women are the most educated group in the U.S. and the fastest-growing sector of new business owners, they receive an extremely small percentage of venture capital, particularly in the tech industry. Women CEOs receive just 2.7% of venture capital and women of color CEOs receive only 0.2%. The speaker highlights the significant societal cost of code-switching for minority groups and advocates for creating an environment where everyone can be their true selves to reap the benefits of true diversity.