2023届高三英语三轮复习冲刺押题外刊阅读理解专项训练 (67)

2023届高考英语三轮复习·冲刺押题 外刊阅读理解训练67 ——改编自Opportunity is not created equal in Silicon Valley for African Americans, Hispanics 【文章】 Recent data released by major companies in Silicon Valley confirm what many have suspected: the tech industry is not offering equal opportunities to minorities and women. Blacks and Hispanics are severely underrepresented, and women are also underrepresented at all levels of the tech industry, including large corporations, startups, and venture capital firms. The industry that prides itself on being a meritocracy is, in reality, more like a "mirrortocracy," according to Mitch Kapor, co-chair of the Kapor Center for Social Impact. This means that most companies still hire people who look like themselves which could undermine Silicon Valley's competitiveness in attracting the best people and ideas to create the next Facebook or Google. The exclusion of minorities and women from the tech industry could increase the unemployment rate for these groups, which is already three times the national average. With computer science jobs being the fastest-growing and among the highest paying, this issue is particularly concerning. Despite this, just one in 14 technical employees in Silicon Valley is black or Hispanic. According to Laura Weidman Powers, co-founder of Code 2040, networks drive hiring in Silicon Valley and referrals are key. Because of this network-based approach, white and Asian men are more likely to get hired and promoted or funded than other groups. This lack of diversity has made it challenging for African Americans and Hispanics to break into the industry. Even when they do secure jobs or start their own ventures, they often face additional obstacles. Silicon Valley must address its diversity problem if it hopes to continue leading the tech industry. To do so, the industry needs to focus on consciously making efforts to overcome unconscious bias in recruitment and promotion practices. It can also expand access to computer science educat