jnik

(I realize a lot of people on my flist might not feel terribly connected to this, but it makes more sense here than as a REALLY LONG COMMENT in someone else's space.)

During Ubuntu Open Week, Mark Shuttleworth, founder (and funder) and leader of the project, made some statements that could be charitably described as "unfortunate":

This bit had steam coming out of my ears. There was an unfortunate followup that the questioner has apologized for; you can see the snippet at Geek Feminism or the whole log. I should also mention that I've had the luxury of several days to chew on this vs. Mark's thirty seconds or so, and he apparently does poorly with public speaking. Having given equal time to Not the Point, I proceed to The Point.
(Ubuntu Bug 1: "Microsoft has a majority market share")

Diversity is absolutely fundamental to fixing bug 1.( Why? )

I've been referring to this as "feminism bingo":

...which is, of course, bullshit of a pretty high order, because "misogynist responses to women who dare to speak up" really doesn't fall under "feminism." Henceforth this will be known as "misogyny bingo", with my apologies.

I mentioned offhand the possibility of doing an LJ series running the board, and ayelle encouraged me with words that seemed totally out of proportion to how I see myself. I'm working more on the level of "basic humanity" rather than "really understanding the issues" and for a brief moment my ego was slightly inflated. Then I realized that 1) maybe we as a society are way too far from "basic humanity" so it seems exceptional and/or 2) the notion of a guy, any guy, voluntarily speaking up is so rare as to be encouraged in the strongest.

So, this is one guy, who learned a few new ways to look at things in the last few years, trying to share that perspective with others. I am not a women's studies expert by any means, nor frankly at the head of the pack in equal treatment. Just a guy.

I'll write up a real post in a day or two, but first, please, some ground rules. I won't hestiate to screen or delete comments if necessary. In particular, if someone I don't know starts beating up on my friends, regardless of gender, I won't take it well.

1) Men, please read these with the intent to understand and learn rather than to argue and justify. It's about finding another perspective, not proving yourself right.
2) Women, you're welcome to read and comment (particularly if I'm acting like an idiot), but you are not the target audience here. Sidenote: I'll be using conventional English rather than GNPs or more inclusive spellings.
3) Everybody, please assume good faith; correct, and accept correction, gently. Let people make mistakes without having their head ripped off. And if you've made a mistake, honest, you're still a decent human being.
4) This is really a commentary on sexism. Other -isms deserve attention and effort. Just not in these topics...one thing at a time, please?

Three things that I've flogged before. Two are on race, not gender...as a white male, they were useful to me in understanding both. For others they may not translate as well:
I can fix it: racism
How not to be insane when accused of racism
On privilege
[EDIT: Bah. The fourth, which started the conversation when ayelle linked it, is The Terrible Bargain We Have Regretfully Struck. Sorry for forgetting that; it's a good one. (And very uncomfortable for me. Good uncomfortable.)]

And one LJ community of interest, not terribly active: feminist_101

Good background reading. See you later.