Many parts of this seem useful, but I think it would be much better if they could include references/context to why certain terms are not okay to be used. For example, they list Red Team and Yellow Team in cybersecurity as terms to be replaced, but I don’t think anybody would consider them as related to the derogatory versions, at least not when the existence of a Blue Team is noticed.
This seems interesting. I briefly skimmed the table of words and alternatives.
I worry that terms that have clear meaning such as blackbox/whitebox are being replaced by suggestions like “closed box” or “glass box” that are not clear.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t live under a rock. I can appreciate the intent behind this guide. I just don’t think it’s very well thought out, and potentially creates more communication issues than it may solve.
Noting my personal bias, I believe words are contextual, their meanings are rooted in culture and history. But maybe not all of the culture and all of the history is relevant in all contexts. Special focus seems to be placed on colors: white, black, red, yellow etc.
I’m not very knowledgeable on this topic, but I have to wonder if terms like red team yellow team are actually offensive or harmful?
I’m interested in hearing other perspectives, though I’ll likely not reply so as to avoid it turning into a debate :)
people have and continue to use these specific colors to insult people,
these names in particular are no better than the alternatives, and
even if decent people will not be reminded of derogatory connotations when reading the terms, some people will inevitably use them to make derogatory jokes
… I am fine with using the alternative names. For example, “Coq” and “NIPS” are not intrinsically offensive names, but I have personally heard multiple people make jokes about them. I could definitely imagine (and people have testified to) those jokes making people feel unwelcome, even if they don’t upset me.
And if I’m willing to change my habits when having a guest over so that they don’t feel unwelcome, I’m certainly willing to do the same with nomenclature. It’s just hospitality.
The etymology of Mom test presented here is not even correct.
Mom/girlfriend test
Definition:
Putting a product in front of people who are unfamiliar with it to learn more how they would use the product.Why it’s problematic:The assumption — if a mom or girlfriend can use a program, anyone can — is both sexist and ageist.
It’s obvious that the author has not actually read the book “The Mom Test.” It’s called that because the idea is that your mom is, for most people, someone who is very likely to pretend that your product is good or easy to use even when it isn’t. In other words the assumption is that your mom loves you and doesn’t want to hurt your feelings.
Perhaps that assumption is itself problematic! But the fact that the author got this one so wrong makes me doubt the correctness of some of the other etymologies.
Many parts of this seem useful, but I think it would be much better if they could include references/context to why certain terms are not okay to be used. For example, they list Red Team and Yellow Team in cybersecurity as terms to be replaced, but I don’t think anybody would consider them as related to the derogatory versions, at least not when the existence of a Blue Team is noticed.
This seems interesting. I briefly skimmed the table of words and alternatives.
I worry that terms that have clear meaning such as blackbox/whitebox are being replaced by suggestions like “closed box” or “glass box” that are not clear.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t live under a rock. I can appreciate the intent behind this guide. I just don’t think it’s very well thought out, and potentially creates more communication issues than it may solve.
Noting my personal bias, I believe words are contextual, their meanings are rooted in culture and history. But maybe not all of the culture and all of the history is relevant in all contexts. Special focus seems to be placed on colors: white, black, red, yellow etc.
I’m not very knowledgeable on this topic, but I have to wonder if terms like red team yellow team are actually offensive or harmful?
I’m interested in hearing other perspectives, though I’ll likely not reply so as to avoid it turning into a debate :)
My personal opinion is that given that:
… I am fine with using the alternative names. For example, “Coq” and “NIPS” are not intrinsically offensive names, but I have personally heard multiple people make jokes about them. I could definitely imagine (and people have testified to) those jokes making people feel unwelcome, even if they don’t upset me.
And if I’m willing to change my habits when having a guest over so that they don’t feel unwelcome, I’m certainly willing to do the same with nomenclature. It’s just hospitality.
Hey, thanks for sharing:)
I hadn’t thought of it that way. I care a lot about making sure people are safe and comfortable so this was nice to read!
The etymology of Mom test presented here is not even correct.
It’s obvious that the author has not actually read the book “The Mom Test.” It’s called that because the idea is that your mom is, for most people, someone who is very likely to pretend that your product is good or easy to use even when it isn’t. In other words the assumption is that your mom loves you and doesn’t want to hurt your feelings.
Perhaps that assumption is itself problematic! But the fact that the author got this one so wrong makes me doubt the correctness of some of the other etymologies.