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> "civility" is not objective/neutral, often relies on codifying the norms of a dominant majority, and also preserves the status quo. In this case, the norm in
by laretluval 6y ago
> "civility" is not objective/neutral, often relies on codifying the norms of a dominant majority, and also preserves the status quo.
In this case, the norm in question was respectful argumentation grounded in empirical evidence. Why does it matter that that norm belongs to a dominant majority?
- whimsicalism 6y ago> Why does it matter that that norm belongs to a dominant majority? It matters a. if the norm is actually universally applied - I find that this norm of respectful argumentation is not universally applied. Remember: this is a twitter argument entirely unrelated to what Timnit is under discussion for now. Elon Musk and Linus have had unrelated arguments where they engaged in very offensive argumentation (calling their opponents pedophiles, telling them to kill themselves) without any evidence, yet I rarely see these issues brought up on unrelated issues about them. But for Timnit, it's a scarlet letter she has to bear. b. I think we substantially underestimate how frustrating it might be to be a scientist of color where people are constantly discounting your expertise (because, yes, Timnit is an expert.) I'm sure seeing that same sentiment for the ith+1 time can evoke strong emotions and we are not necessarily seeing the context. Regardless, maybe not an incredible look for Timnit but not super huge in the context of a large body of work.