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GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the word 'retard'

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Re: GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the word 'retard'

#841

Post by hhandoko »

hueving wrote: post #643
hhandoko wrote: post #266

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree that the word may be down on the offensiveness scale, but it is still offensive to some people. Large organisations have such policies because they are aware that they are composed of people from diverse set of backgrounds. Unless you know exactly who the message is intended to, the delivery will always sounds vague / generic. Before coming to Australia, I never knew that showing picture(s) of a deceased Abor…

>I agree that the word may be down on the offensiveness scale, but it is still offensive to some people. Who gives a shit? 'fuck' is offensive to some people and it's all over github. This enforcement is completely arbitrary and this is what is causing the backlash.

It does seem arbitrary...

But, as I mentioned in some other comments, GitHub is made up by many individuals that holds different values (just like you and me), thus it is nearly impossible for them to be 100% consistent.

I think the backlash happened mainly because there is a disagreement on the conduct. Just so happened, someone who stumbled upon the repo thought it was inappropriate, reported it, and the reviewer agreed (my speculation).

Re: GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the word 'retard'

#842

Post by hhandoko »

_jgdh wrote: post #783
hhandoko wrote: post #625

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I get what you mean. We are getting into some grey areas though, where does GitHub draw the line? I still think that it's not a matter of the law, but one of conduct. GitHub probably has some ideals on how their service should be used, and this instance the language did not match up to their ideals. What do you think GitHub should do? It's probably the same issues reddit mods have when trying to maintain their commun…

> where does Github draw the line Where they did previously - content that doesn't break American laws is allowed, everything else is removed. Words weren't censored because they hurt people's feelings. There was no respect given to Americans' new found affinity to the "right to feel comfortable". You point out that "git" means something else entirely now. I'd point out that the word retard is changing in a similar w…

> There was no respect given to Americans' new found affinity to the "right to feel comfortable".

GitHub userbase is global, what may be acceptable in US culture might not be acceptable somewhere else.

> You point out that "git" means something else entirely now. I'd point out that the word retard is changing in a similar way, just like "moron" did.

Exactly, `git` has changed, but `retard` hasn't (i.e. still changing). So right now, a lot of people think it's still inappropriate.

> These books were controversial when they came out, but they've become an accepted part of our bookshelves now.

I understand what you are saying, but until it becomes widely accepted term, there will be a lot of discussions like we are having now.

Re: GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the word 'retard'

#843

Post by hhandoko »

hhandoko wrote: post #207
prasanthv wrote: post #61

Good job GH. It's sad this is shocking to some people. Perhaps they haven't dealt with anyone with mental disabilities or seen what their families deal with, and that's not their fault, nor is it an excuse. It's called empathy.

Not sure why you are downvoted, but I thought it's relevant.

For the downvoters: some developers may think it is funny, but for others with relatives with intellectual disability, it will make them really uncomfortable.

My point is, the language is unnecessary. Especially for a public repo that might get thousands and / or tens of thousands of views.

Re: GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the word 'retard'

#844

Post by hhandoko »

malft wrote: post #440
hhandoko wrote: post #344

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It is a false analogy though. If it's just a commit message, then I can see why you would think this construes as a `private` conversation (i.e. message between committers). But, it's also in the README which, by default, the first thing you see when you open up the repository. The better analogy perhaps, is the author is standing with a signboard containing some offensive language in some corner of a public space.

A book in a library, perhaps?

Yes, and books in libraries can be taken off the shelves for the same reason.
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