First, I really appreciate this discussion. Tom, thanks for being a voice for marginalized groups in the tech space.

Just a thought. I would propose that "color/gender blindness" is not what is needed, but rather a celebration of what this kind of diversity brings to the community. Blindness proposes we don't see what value a person of a different race/culture/gender could bring to the table. It seems borderline offensive to say "I don't see you are a woman", or "I don't see your color". We don't need to just be blind or tolerant to differences, we need to Celebrate those differences because they bring a new perspective and make us better.

I don't think this is what either of you meant, and it is probably just semantics, but I think this language matters.

Thanks again for speaking up.