[diversity] [Ext] Notes from the RIPE Diversity Task Force on-line meeting, 27.6.2017

On 07/07/2017 16:58, Brian Nisbet wrote:
>> Intersectionality as a doctrine is closely associated with allegations
>> that Western societies are riddled with oppression, 

[snip]

> This is stunning derailing, Malcolm, sorry. Intersectionality is the
> concept that various forms of oppression & bigotry are all interlinked
> and, well, intersectional. 

To go from accusing me of derailing, in one sentence, to confirming my
point in the next, is itself pretty stunning.

I take this as your simply wishing to signal your distaste for my
pointing out that this doctrine is considered controversial and
offensive by many, because it is a doctrine with which you happen to
sympathise.

> I do not believe that talking about the patriarchy (from which you and I
> both benefit immensely) is extreme or alleged.

Well, we're obviously not going to agree about that.

So we can either (a) argue about it interminably, or (b) agree that this
isn't something for RIPE to getting into.

If you fancy that there is an option (c), adopt your position and align
the view that the patriarchy exists and "you and I benefit from it
immensely", and ignore Malcolm's view to the contrary, well then we've
got a problem.

> I'm still not sure what term we should use instead, of course, nor why
> we should try to invent ones where perfectly good terms already exist.

Well I hope I've already shown that "intersectionality" is not a
perfectly good term.

As for a better term that already exists, I would suggest "sex
discrimination": as long as RIPE avoids that, and treats everyone as an
individual and not as a member of a preferred or dis-preferred identity
group, then we will have done what we ought to do.

Malcolm.

-- 
            Malcolm Hutty | tel: +44 20 7645 3523
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