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

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by jazzyk on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @09:36AM (#9968494)

You guys may be thinking about two different contexts:

1. calling someone with a disability a retard (which I would never, ever do)

2. using the word "retarded" in a generic sense. For example: I may have called my kids retarded, in exasperation, for doing something nonsensical. Not elegant, but has been used as a figure of speech, of sorts, for ever.

My problem with censoring words (and political correctness in general) is that it is an overly simplistic intent to make the world a gentler place - even if you forbid people from saying/writing certain words, you will not change how they think/behave.

Nobody dares to use the n... word, but there are still a lot of racists (and reverse-racists, it needs to be said) out there. The only way to fix it is education and culture - no other way around it.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by codygman on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @11:28AM (#9969250)

> a lot of racists (and reverse-racists, it needs to be said)

No such thing as reverse racists, it's all just racism and racists.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by jazzyk on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @12:38PM (#9969794)

Agreed, it is just that my example covered one particular race being discriminated, so I wanted to make it clear. For some reason, people think only non-white people can be discriminated against.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by codygman on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @01:50PM (#9970312)

Well anyone can be discriminated against, though some argue only those with institutional power can be racist. I tend to go by these definitions:

http://racismschool.tumblr.com/Racism:Definitions

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by MichaelGG on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @10:05AM (#9968677)

1. How long ago was it that "retarded" was the socially acceptable term?

2. What is a "reverse" racist?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by DanBC on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @10:41AM (#9968926)

Your child is eating something. You ask if you can try a bit. They laughingly say "no way! These are mine!"

Do you then continue the joke? "stop being such a Jew! Give me a chip!"

Are you saying it's fine to use that word because it's just a joke? It's not a serious insult?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by jazzyk on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @12:47PM (#9969852)

No, it is not fine to use what you described.

The difference is that you are picking on a particular nationality, while "retarded" is a generic term meaning "mentally under-developed" which, while certainly not a term of endearment, may apply to any human.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by DanBC on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @06:04PM (#9971887)

I don't understand your point.

Why is it not okay to use the word Jew as an insult against non-Jews, while it's fine to use the word retard as an insult against non-retards?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by plouis on Thursday July 30, 2015 @02:59PM (#9977157)

In the first case, you imply that Jews are stingy. In the second case, you don't imply anything about retards other than the normal definition of the word.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by sklogic on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @02:02PM (#9970413)

Ever been to Odessa? An epic butthurt is guaranteed from an Odessan Jewish peculiar humour.

[ Parent | on HN ]