At face value, most of the codes of conduct that popped up recently look reasonable, but they were introduced in response to a movement that has replaced this s

At face value, most of the codes of conduct that popped up recently look reasonable, but they were introduced in response to a movement that has replaced this simple, straightforward and truly inclusive idea of treating everyone respectfully with an obsession about labels, group representation and calling out any remote perceived slight towards protected groups. Sometimes I wonder if I would have better professional opportunities or job safety if I specified that I am homosexual on LinkedIn and behaved flamboyantly instead of keeping it to myself. This call for participation reinforces that feeling with language like "[We] especially want to encourage FLINTA* (Female, Lesbian, Inter, Non-Binary, Trans, Agender) and Queer individuals, BIPOC and humans from the Global South to submit their talks, workshops or Lightning Talks." Once, I saw a regular attendee in another conference complain that there are too many white males, suggesting that they should refrain from attending, and perhaps send a woman or a person who is not white to represent their company instead, and "threatening" to withdraw himself because he is also a white male. Of course no one openly disagreed with him. The risk to personal reputation and even employment is too high. The conversation definitely turned quiet after this, however. I do think we are being led around by extremists, and I am happy to eat some angry replies, downvotes, and flags to have a chance to express this as well.