4 ms·

You're giving them too much credit. She said she'd prefer not using pronouns at all. They said if she avoids using pronouns, she's just as guilty as using the w

You're giving them too much credit. She said she'd prefer not using pronouns at all. They said if she avoids using pronouns, she's just as guilty as using the wrong one. Then they fired/de-moded her based on her stated preference, assuming she would not follow the future rules. They also did this at 6 pm on a Friday. She's Jewish.

brandmeyer 7y ago
> They also did this at 6 pm on a Friday. She's Jewish. In fairness, there really isn't a good time to fire someone. I would normally think that the end of the work week is one of the least bad times to fire someone.
- beerandt 7y ago
  Agreed, but I'm speaking more to the hypocrisy of being expected to be sensitive to the personal beliefs / self-identity of the person you're addressing. The very principle they "fired" her for. Edit: Also, even if that's the best time, you should ensure you make personal contact, and not just do the equivalent of a ghosting.
  - brandmeyer 7y ago
    No, I agree. There is a minimum level of etiquette that should be followed when terminating someone, even if it is for cause, and even if they are a volunteer.
Ruthalas 7y ago
Is this particularly onerous because she'd be unable to do work to defend herself the following day, as it was the sabbath? (Honesty question. I'm curious what the connection is, and that's the best I can think of.)
- beerandt 7y ago
  Basically yes. Using their own standards, they should have known that she wouldn't be able to receive any notification for at least a day. Not only didn't they discuss it privately with her before taking action, they essentially allowed rumor to spread unanswered for a full day, if not all weekend.
bwat49 7y ago
> They said if she avoids using pronouns, she's just as guilty as using the wrong one. People that think like this baffle me When I refer to people online, I rarely use 'pronouns'. IMO in online communication, it's most clear/neutral to just refer to people by their name or username, e.g. if I'm referring to you I might just say @beerandt. I can't imagine how that could be seen as offensive in any way
- beerandt 7y ago
  I don't get it either. I can see a case where trolls could abuse it, but that shouldn't preclude well-intentioned use.

brandmeyer 7y ago

> They also did this at 6 pm on a Friday. She's Jewish. In fairness, there really isn't a good time to fire someone. I would normally think that the end of the work week is one of the least bad times to fire someone.

beerandt 7y ago
Agreed, but I'm speaking more to the hypocrisy of being expected to be sensitive to the personal beliefs / self-identity of the person you're addressing. The very principle they "fired" her for. Edit: Also, even if that's the best time, you should ensure you make personal contact, and not just do the equivalent of a ghosting.
- brandmeyer 7y ago
  No, I agree. There is a minimum level of etiquette that should be followed when terminating someone, even if it is for cause, and even if they are a volunteer.

Ruthalas 7y ago

Is this particularly onerous because she'd be unable to do work to defend herself the following day, as it was the sabbath? (Honesty question. I'm curious what the connection is, and that's the best I can think of.)

beerandt 7y ago
Basically yes. Using their own standards, they should have known that she wouldn't be able to receive any notification for at least a day. Not only didn't they discuss it privately with her before taking action, they essentially allowed rumor to spread unanswered for a full day, if not all weekend.

bwat49 7y ago

> They said if she avoids using pronouns, she's just as guilty as using the wrong one. People that think like this baffle me When I refer to people online, I rarely use 'pronouns'. IMO in online communication, it's most clear/neutral to just refer to people by their name or username, e.g. if I'm referring to you I might just say @beerandt. I can't imagine how that could be seen as offensive in any way

beerandt 7y ago
I don't get it either. I can see a case where trolls could abuse it, but that shouldn't preclude well-intentioned use.