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In common usage, "sexism" doesn't mean what you say it means. You're technically correct, sure. But "sexism" is commonly used as a label for any socially unacce

by natrius 14y ago

In common usage, "sexism" doesn't mean what you say it means. You're technically correct, sure. But "sexism" is commonly used as a label for any socially unacceptable behavior related to gender. Also, a word of advice: claiming something like "a third (EDIT: actually two thirds) of sexism complaints are exaggerations" should always be backed up by some sort of data if you don't want to look unreasonable.

gavanwoolery 14y ago
True - when I say for every x there are two y's, I mean it more in colloquial terms (understandably that is not necessarily clear here), not hard statistics: that is, it is only my perception that there is more complaining about sexism than actual sexism occurring. It seems that the most vocal sexism victims actually experience the least amount of "real" sexism (like the girl who complained about being hit on at DEF CON). Again, these are just my perceptions/opinions, and I could easily be wrong. However, one thing I am certain of is that we focus too much of our effort on trivial cases of sexism, when we should be battling more important cases like countries that do not allow women equal rights.
- natrius 14y ago
  "we focus too much of our effort on trivial cases of sexism, when we should be battling more important cases like countries that do not allow women equal rights." This is ridiculous. I can't affect Saudi Arabia's cultural norms. I can affect the tech industry's cultural norms, and it's my responsibility to do so when those norms are harmful.
- Evbn 14y ago
  This DEFCON incident? http://singlevoice.net/2012/07/12/sexism-redyellow-cards-at-defcon/ http://singlevoice.net/2012/07/12/sexism-redyellow-cards-at-... It was more about sexual assault, and it was more about behavior at parties than at DEFCON. I know the line blurs, but once alcohol is served, it is hard to say the event is a professional and reputable one.
001sky 14y ago
"a third of sexism complaints are exaggerations" Was not how he phrased it. It said there were multiple people experiencing similar activity. So that could be read as not everyone considers XYZ to be sexism. While anecdotal, the comment that this "should always be backed up by some sort of data if you don't want to look unreasonable" doesn't make any sense. The data quality, by definition, are what is being questioned. You don't solve such a problem by quoting similar data, and you most likely won't find "proper" data given the nature of the observation.
- natrius 14y ago
  Your analysis of his comment is overly charitable. He did not question anything. He stated his opinions without backing them up with facts. I'm sure there are plenty of studies about the rates at which gender-related behaviors are considered inappropriate. Sexism isn't a new issue. Universities have entire departments dedicated to this sort of thing.

by natrius 14y ago

gavanwoolery 14y ago

True - when I say for every x there are two y's, I mean it more in colloquial terms (understandably that is not necessarily clear here), not hard statistics: that is, it is only my perception that there is more complaining about sexism than actual sexism occurring. It seems that the most vocal sexism victims actually experience the least amount of "real" sexism (like the girl who complained about being hit on at DEF CON). Again, these are just my perceptions/opinions, and I could easily be wrong. However, one thing I am certain of is that we focus too much of our effort on trivial cases of sexism, when we should be battling more important cases like countries that do not allow women equal rights.

natrius 14y ago
"we focus too much of our effort on trivial cases of sexism, when we should be battling more important cases like countries that do not allow women equal rights." This is ridiculous. I can't affect Saudi Arabia's cultural norms. I can affect the tech industry's cultural norms, and it's my responsibility to do so when those norms are harmful.
Evbn 14y ago
This DEFCON incident? http://singlevoice.net/2012/07/12/sexism-redyellow-cards-at-defcon/ http://singlevoice.net/2012/07/12/sexism-redyellow-cards-at-... It was more about sexual assault, and it was more about behavior at parties than at DEFCON. I know the line blurs, but once alcohol is served, it is hard to say the event is a professional and reputable one.

001sky 14y ago

"a third of sexism complaints are exaggerations" Was not how he phrased it. It said there were multiple people experiencing similar activity. So that could be read as not everyone considers XYZ to be sexism. While anecdotal, the comment that this "should always be backed up by some sort of data if you don't want to look unreasonable" doesn't make any sense. The data quality, by definition, are what is being questioned. You don't solve such a problem by quoting similar data, and you most likely won't find "proper" data given the nature of the observation.

natrius 14y ago
Your analysis of his comment is overly charitable. He did not question anything. He stated his opinions without backing them up with facts. I'm sure there are plenty of studies about the rates at which gender-related behaviors are considered inappropriate. Sexism isn't a new issue. Universities have entire departments dedicated to this sort of thing.