Re:Ask HN: Why are HN topics about sexism so controversial?
by dragonwriter on Monday April 13, 2015 @07:48PM
(#9371250)
Because substantial segments of the community hold deeply-held, diametrically-opposed views on the issue and do so as a matter deeply attached to their personal identity and person image of merit.
For better known examples of this in general (US) cultural, consider debates on guns or abortion policy.
(If you want to know why they get flagged off heavily, part of it is that -- since there is a large group that will be offended by any item on the subject, though a different group for different items -- and partly the reaction of the rest of the community to the usual dynamics of the issue where they just want it to go away.)
For better known examples of this in general (US) cultural, consider debates on guns or abortion policy.
(If you want to know why they get flagged off heavily, part of it is that -- since there is a large group that will be offended by any item on the subject, though a different group for different items -- and partly the reaction of the rest of the community to the usual dynamics of the issue where they just want it to go away.)