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I think in the context of institutional racism (what some snidely call the "academic definition" of racism) it's not as striking to see it in the headline. The

I think in the context of institutional racism (what some snidely call the "academic definition" of racism) it's not as striking to see it in the headline. The issue of race in our country is much more complex than individuals and their interactions with each other. Both are important, but the assumption seems to be by the people doing the objecting that the only one of consequence is personal/individual racism between people. As far as the chemist goes, I think that despite the polite societal norm to refrain from mentioning it when it's irrelevant (which shouldn't go anywhere in my opinion) in the context of a news story we should mention it more. There's a serious issue with getting women into STEM fields and surfacing it even if it's irrelevant might deter the perception by young women and girls that they should avoid those fields. But that's my ignorant opinion without any studies to back it or anything. I could be entirely wrong.

pavedwalden 11y ago
I don't know if you'll see this (does HN have a reply-notification feature?) but I really appreciated your response and (I presume, since I was at -1 when the thread settled down) the upvote that sent my comment back to "0 points" This comment thread was really discouraging and it meant a lot to me that you were willing to just talk about a small point we have different perspectives on.
- brazzledazzle 11y ago
  No built-in notification unfortunately but I do check for them once a day or so. I wouldn't be surprised if it actually helps decrease vitriolic slap fights since we aren't instantly notified a la reddit. But yes, that was me that brought you back. I hate seeing calm discourse get downvoted simply because of disagreement. I actually like that I don't have that ability. Kind of refreshing. I'd like to think the karma requirement would help deter abusive voting but I see enough of it that I'm not so sure it's as effective as it could be. Better than nothing though, I suppose. But anyway, you're welcome. It's kind of funny but I felt the same way about the comments and your reply was really encouraging.

pavedwalden 11y ago

I don't know if you'll see this (does HN have a reply-notification feature?) but I really appreciated your response and (I presume, since I was at -1 when the thread settled down) the upvote that sent my comment back to "0 points" This comment thread was really discouraging and it meant a lot to me that you were willing to just talk about a small point we have different perspectives on.

brazzledazzle 11y ago
No built-in notification unfortunately but I do check for them once a day or so. I wouldn't be surprised if it actually helps decrease vitriolic slap fights since we aren't instantly notified a la reddit. But yes, that was me that brought you back. I hate seeing calm discourse get downvoted simply because of disagreement. I actually like that I don't have that ability. Kind of refreshing. I'd like to think the karma requirement would help deter abusive voting but I see enough of it that I'm not so sure it's as effective as it could be. Better than nothing though, I suppose. But anyway, you're welcome. It's kind of funny but I felt the same way about the comments and your reply was really encouraging.