I think the counter argument to that argument was always "can we actually do that as humans?"
The push towards diversity is a straight forward reaction in an attempt to prove "yes we can" by moving the numbers as much as possible as quickly as possible. I'd guess that eventually the pendulum will swing back again. The reason the diversity tactic is used so much is because it's the only tactic that seems to actually produce results, artificial or not.
>"yes we can" by moving the numbers as much as possible as quickly as possible.
(This is a touchy subject. I'm not implying this initiative takes it "too far" or anything of the like...)
I agree, the problem is that over-compensation (pendulum swinging too far) inevitably leads to another party being alienated. Sometimes the people at the margins most affected are relatively powerful and aren't happy with the results. An example being anti-affirmative-action sentiment among white blue-collar workers. This can diminish the effectiveness of the diversity push.
I'm not saying the sentiment is justified; I'm saying it inevitably happens. It's a tough balance. We know that SV and the tech scene is a very male oriented culture. What happens with as that changes? There are bound to be losers.
The push towards diversity is a straight forward reaction in an attempt to prove "yes we can" by moving the numbers as much as possible as quickly as possible. I'd guess that eventually the pendulum will swing back again. The reason the diversity tactic is used so much is because it's the only tactic that seems to actually produce results, artificial or not.