[Zope] Re: [Plone-users] Re: A plea for equality => a play for diversity

[laura trippi]

Alan's already answered this with his usual diplomacy -- and wisdom 
beyond his years. =}

But since I edited "he" to "s/he" during my talk at the Plone 
conference (right there in front of everyone!), I thought maybe I ought 
to reply, too.  I've also been hanging out a fair amount on #plone.

In his "Future of Plone" talk, Paul said: "hello sexy plone people." He 
also said, "thank you sexy plone people." It's hard to capture exactly 
what it is that sparkles about Plone, but I thought that was really 
apt. Surprising for a developer community, no?

There's a difference between "sexy" and "sexist." In many 
circumstances, sexism expresses itself precisely by repressing 
difference, gender, and sexuality. The aesthetics of Plone and the 
creativity of the Plone community are bound up w/something else -- an 
unconventional attitude and ethos that some might find shocking at 
times, I suppose.

I don't condone sexist attitudes or behavior. I either avoid them or 
make a fuss. I don't know what Dave's email was about, exactly. But 
"pleas for equality" make me squeamish. I prefer plays for diversity -- 
and, in my experience, the Plone community, esp. including #plone, 
could hardly be more welcoming in that regard.

My concern is this: If people start acting all p.c. on #plone -- 
goodbye sexy plone community.

best,


::laura trippi

On Tuesday, October 21, 2003, at 11:33 AM, alan runyan wrote:

> Hi.
>
> I deeply apologize.  There is a world wide community.  Mostly dominated
> by men.  But 10% of the Plone Conference was women.  So I would suggest
> any female who feels uncomfortable about someone's language to contact
> me.  I will do my best to address the problems.  Also it doesnt take
> very much of someone to say, "I dont appreciate your sexist remark."
> And usually people will apologize.  Please speak out and curb the
> community away from sexist remarks.  If there are any problems
> you may contact me personally.  Of course it would be best if you
> emailed the person offline with your frustration before bringing it
> to the mailing list or me.
>
> cheers,
> alan runyan
>
>> I have come across something that I think most people have come 
>> across before in IT .. and in general .. something called sexism. 
>> Something a female zopista told me today tipped me over the edge to 
>> write this .. it's something I have seen myself on plenty of 
>> occassions ...
>>
>> No this is not something 'rampant' in the community .. just something 
>> that happens occassionaly .. and being one of those people that 
>> despise the ignorance that leads to these types of comments .. have 
>> to say something. I just wanted to ask everyone to think about the 
>> communities they are in, and that they are made up of all sorts, and 
>> all types. Our IRC channels are made up of them as well. A lot of the 
>> time these people stay 'quiet', and learn and listen ... to 
>> developers that talk about their female counterparts in derogatory 
>> ways .. as though the channels are made up up macho men.
>>
>> Knowing the community doesn't feel this way as a whole, I would like 
>> to say to those few people to THINK before being so ignorant.
>>
>> I know personally of people that are avoiding certain IRC channels 
>> due to the fact they find them male dominated, and sexist, and I find 
>> this SHOCKING. It's not in the people or who's there .. but some 
>> regular users attitudes to a community they feel comfortable with as 
>> they are leaders or regulars in their area.
>>
>> I just want people to think .. if you want to talk about your 
>> relationships .. or relationships, or peoples life choices in general 
>> .. be aware the community is made up of ALL of them.
>>
>> thanks for your time to read this ..
>>
>> Dave
>>
>>
>>
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