Re: [PATCH 1/2] doc: avoid using the gender of other people

From: Felipe Contreras <felipe.contreras@gmail.com>
Date: Jun 15, 2021, 16:30 UTC
Message-ID: <60c8d5c39ef39_1296f20847@natae.notmuch>
In-Reply-To: <94848796-1a7f-e1d2-fcf7-5e6f5f361f2a@gmail.com>

Derrick Stolee wrote:

Show 7 quoted lines

> On 6/11/2021 4:28 PM, Felipe Contreras wrote:
> > Some people have a problem with using a female reviewer or a female
> > developer as an example, and since this is an irrelevant detail, let's
> > say goodbye to our illustrative female colleagues.
> 
> I find this message to be snarky and underhanded instead of
> actually describing the goals at hand.

But it is accurate.

I have no problem when I read a text that uses a female reviwer as an illustration. Apparently you do, and presumably others.

> Citing the reason as stated is _not_ the purpose of these
> gender-neutral recommendations.

I believe the purpose is to tailor the wording to you.

Show 5 quoted lines

> Instead, a message such as this could apply:
> 
>   Using gendered pronouns for an anonymous person applies a
>   gender where none is known, and further excludes readers
>   who do not use gendered pronouns.

It doesn't exclude the readers who do not use genedered pronouns.

Anna--a Finnish reader--may not use gendered pronouns herself, that doesn't mean she automatically would have a problem when reading "she" or "he", nor that she would feel excluded.

This patch is not for Anna--who has no problem reading an illustration in English which uses a female colleague as illustration--this patch is for you.

Cheers.

-- 
Felipe Contreras