[wellylug] off-topic whining

[Tim McKenzie]

On Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:28:49 Jethro Carr wrote:
> However, when people on mailing lists start accusing guys who
> are respectful of women of using sexist language it tends to
> get people pretty angry.

I didn't see Daniel doing much "accusing"; he seemed to be going 
out of his way to "keep all commentary civil, and be courteous", 
as the monthly posting recommends.  In contrast, one of the 
responses to him told him to "shut up" or talk about Linux.  On 
its own, this might not be too surprising.  Quoting again from the 
monthly posting, "no one is immune to a visit from Mr Grumpy".  
However, I was slightly surprised to see two others supporting 
that message, within five minutes.

What does this tell people who might be directly, personally 
offended in future?  That if they dare to politely mention on the 
list that they took offence, then they can expect to be told to 
shut up?  I don't think a list like that would be a very nice 
place to be.

> Anyway, I apologise if I came across too aggressive but Daniel
> touched a raw nerve with myself and others on this list.

I hope that this apology can be accepted, and that people can be 
confident that in future, polite objections to language used on 
this list won't be met with aggressive responses.  In order for 
people to have such confidence, some may be waiting for apologies 
from two more people.

For the record, I'm not convinced by the argument that "guys" 
shouldn't be used to refer to a group of both sexes.  (Why 
shouldn't we object instead to the use of "guy" to refer to only 
one sex?)  I know of very few women who object to the all-
inclusive use of the word "guys", but there may be more of them 
than I think.  Nevertheless, like John, I was put off by some of 
the responses I read when someone did express an objection.

Tim
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