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>If we want to have honest, good faith discussions on the topic of social equality, the only solution is for people to earnestly and honestly inform themselves

>If we want to have honest, good faith discussions on the topic of social equality, the only solution is for people to earnestly and honestly inform themselves of the life experiences of the social groups for whom equality has remained out of reach. While I agree with every word you wrote, I don't know how you can maintain hope in this. Just weeks ago, there was an HN thread, where between the article and comments there were dozens of stories of women suffering harassment. And yet still, multiple people here commented to the effect, "No real women in my life tell me about this stuff, the rest must be hysterical." I'm paraphrasing, but it's not an unfair characterization. I see it in the same light as folks that have a completely 100% incorrect understanding of "[institutional] privilege" and are already at a weird level of anger by time they enter any conversation about it. They seem to be unable or unwilling to entertain, let alone accept, evidence contrary to their closely held beliefs (and there's evidence to back it up). Meanwhile, the groups that get frustrated at continual, constant marginalization from those with their heads in the clouds, or try to advocate for causes and less ignorance, are given three-letter acronym labels which are used to deride and derail. And within 5 minutes this reply is swinging +/-4 votes with no replies. How absolutely utterly depressing.

sudofail 8y ago
Hey, I appreciate your response, and share in your sentiment that responses on this subject can be very depressing. But I do think we as a society are trending towards equality. As much as the internet is supposed to connect us, subjects like these can be very divisive because the internet tends remove the human element from the discussion. We're much more likely to go on a political rant on Facebook than we ever would directly to our family, for instance. This subject requires real human connection. It requires understanding our fellow citizens and understanding what they go through. As a personal anecdote, I also used to be homophobic and very ignorant of racism in America. I feel awful about some of the things I've said. But then I began working for a company out in San Francisco, and a few of my coworkers were gay, and a couple people were going through sex reassignment. I became friends with them, and they shared numerous stories that really helped me see how uninformed I'd been. Obviously this is my personal experience, but I'm hopeful that as more and more people feel safe to come out, that the people around them will have similar experiences as me.
perfmode 8y ago
Death is the best thing our species has going for us. I have faith that the next generation will be wiser and less prejudiced. Now if only climate change could wait... Unfortunately we are running against a shot clock right now and we can’t simply wait for the next generation to pick up the bill.

sudofail 8y ago

Hey, I appreciate your response, and share in your sentiment that responses on this subject can be very depressing. But I do think we as a society are trending towards equality. As much as the internet is supposed to connect us, subjects like these can be very divisive because the internet tends remove the human element from the discussion. We're much more likely to go on a political rant on Facebook than we ever would directly to our family, for instance. This subject requires real human connection. It requires understanding our fellow citizens and understanding what they go through. As a personal anecdote, I also used to be homophobic and very ignorant of racism in America. I feel awful about some of the things I've said. But then I began working for a company out in San Francisco, and a few of my coworkers were gay, and a couple people were going through sex reassignment. I became friends with them, and they shared numerous stories that really helped me see how uninformed I'd been. Obviously this is my personal experience, but I'm hopeful that as more and more people feel safe to come out, that the people around them will have similar experiences as me.

perfmode 8y ago

Death is the best thing our species has going for us. I have faith that the next generation will be wiser and less prejudiced. Now if only climate change could wait... Unfortunately we are running against a shot clock right now and we can’t simply wait for the next generation to pick up the bill.