OpenAI
CEO
Sam Altman
has expressed his concerns about the discomfort and fear experienced by members of the Muslim and Arab communities in the tech industry, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Altman's observations on social media
In a post on social media network X, previously known as Twitter, Altman shared his observations from conversations with colleagues in the tech community. He stated, "Muslim and arab (especially palestinian) colleagues in the tech community i've spoken with feel uncomfortable speaking about their recent experiences, often out of fear of retaliation and damaged career prospects."
Empathy in the tech industry
As the head of the Microsoft-backed ChatGPT maker, Altman emphasized the need for empathy towards members of these communities within the tech sector. His comments come amid heightened tensions and violence in the Middle East.
Response to queries about the Jewish Community
When asked about the Jewish community's experiences, Altman, who is Jewish, responded, "I am jewish. i believe that antisemitism is a significant and growing problem in the world, and i see a lot of people in our industry sticking up for me, which i deeply appreciate. i see much less of that for muslims."
Rising antisemitism and Islamophobia
Rights advocates have noted a sharp increase in both antisemitism and Islamophobia in the U.S. and other regions since the conflict escalated on Oct. 7. According to Israeli reports, an attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas resulted in the death of 1,200 people. In response, Israel's military action in Gaza led to over 22,000 Palestinian casualties, nearly 1% of its population, as reported by Gaza's health ministry.
Statistics on hate crimes
The Council on American-Islamic Relations reported a 172% increase in incidents motivated by Islamophobia and bias against Palestinians and Arabs in the U.S. in the two months following the war's onset, compared to the same period last year. Similarly, the Anti-Defamation League observed a 337% rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. between Oct. 7 and Dec. 7.
Altman's statements highlight the growing concerns about discrimination and bias within the tech industry and the broader societal context, underscoring the need for awareness and support for affected communities.
(With agency inputs)
English (US) ·