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I think that would also be a useful approach. But, I've been involved in activist circles lately, and something I've learned in that is that calling behavior ou

I think that would also be a useful approach. But, I've been involved in activist circles lately, and something I've learned in that is that calling behavior out when it happens can prevent resentments and problems from growing; and, having that culture of calling people on their shit can allow someone who may have walked away to feel empowered to speak up when they feel uncomfortable with something someone has said. Again, I'm not sure I understand the nuances of why someone felt uncomfortable with this particular piece of language; but if I assume good intentions, all it costs me is a moment of my time to think about it and try to understand. And maybe, by taking that time and showing a little respect for that view, I'll help someone feel welcome into this community I've been a part of for so long. I think it's probably worth the trouble...and, in the end, I'm pretty sure I'm a better person than I was a couple years ago before I got involved in this kind of activism. I don't know how to convince others to stop being reactionary, and instead simply think about what's being said. Anti-oppression training might be cool at tech conferences, but I suspect it'd be the least attended track.

jdn 13y ago
"having that culture of calling people on their shit can allow someone who may have walked away to feel empowered to speak up when they feel uncomfortable with something someone has said." I certainly appreciate that perspective on it; it is empowering to the victims. However, as in this case, it can also alienate those they are calling if it was not genuine sexism. There are cases where similar language is used in a sexist fashion, and it would be a bit of a stretch to call this one of them, so in this case it only caused an adverse reaction. I guess there is a careful balancing act to empowerment. "I don't know how to convince others to stop being reactionary" If it helps, your views have helped me consider my reaction to this. I understand and empathise with why he reacted how he did, but my reaction to his post was probably a step further into inappropriate. Thank you.

jdn 13y ago

"having that culture of calling people on their shit can allow someone who may have walked away to feel empowered to speak up when they feel uncomfortable with something someone has said." I certainly appreciate that perspective on it; it is empowering to the victims. However, as in this case, it can also alienate those they are calling if it was not genuine sexism. There are cases where similar language is used in a sexist fashion, and it would be a bit of a stretch to call this one of them, so in this case it only caused an adverse reaction. I guess there is a careful balancing act to empowerment. "I don't know how to convince others to stop being reactionary" If it helps, your views have helped me consider my reaction to this. I understand and empathise with why he reacted how he did, but my reaction to his post was probably a step further into inappropriate. Thank you.