FediForum Has Been Canceled
The FediForum Unconference is facing backlash and speakers pulling out in the face of public bigoted comments.
In light of recent controversy and its handling, the twice-a-year FediForum unconference for April 1st and 2nd has been canceled by its organizer.
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I don't understand why people don't keep such comments to their anonymous, unofficial accounts. You can hold such views in private and still treat people with respect, but saying these things officially changes everything. The co-organiser is in a space where she should know better. She then even doubled down
When asked whether she still held her more problematic views in a follow-up comment, Young responded ambiguously with “I fully stand by the statement you are commenting on.”
In for a penny, in for a pound, eh?
Would you if it's something you care about and want to be vocal about? I'd rather know that she's full of shit and now out of the whole thing than supporting someone who spews against trans people on a secret identity.
Would you if it's something you care about
Did you forget a word?
I'm having trouble with the rest of your post too. Autocorrect must've struck or something.
Sorry, English is not my first language, bit I thought the post is somewhat clear?
I didn't forget a word, maybe a comma - in the given context, the meaning is "Would you keep your opinion for yourself if it's something you care about?" as the post I replied to suggested exactly that.
No worries, as a European, English isn't my first language either :P
And as a response: if my job depended on being on the "right side of things" I wouldn't make such controversial statements. Not only is it dumb in the moment, but also for the future. People are very polarised and even if she had changed her mind by now, there'd still be outrage "omg, look at what she said years ago! I don't trust that she changed!". Of course she supposedly doubled down, which is even dumber IMO, but you get the point.
I use this anonymous account because what the opinions I express here will probably evolve and I don't want any future employer putting me into a box due to a comment made in jest, rage, or whatever. Revealing your identity online for anything other than business is just asking for trouble.
I don't think Fedi forum was her job, but maybe it is?
I strongly disagree with it generally being dumb to (unanonymously) raise your voice on a topic that might cause you problems in the future. It's a consideration of priorities and going "this is my name and I stand up for xy" (maybe by a coworker even) is usually more impactful than some anon accounts or persona. Of course it might impact your career or whatever, but for some people it's worth the potential consequences.
I too use (semi) anonymous accounts for different things, but I don't go "neutral" at work or anywhere really. Most political organizations won't work with only anons (Anonymous is an exception). Saying using your real name for "controversial" politics stuff is dumb? Hard no.
Also, which topics are controversial and which aren't is always subject to change. Maybe she lives somewhere where transphobic positions will help her? She's rightfully gone from this position and I wish transphobia would be a unacceptable everywhere but it isn't and she might find other people/orgs/position where it's a benefit even.
I guess we disagree, but I'm not going to stop people from voicing their opinions and linking them to their official identities.
The problem with the internet is that it doesn't always forget. That's exactly why I do my best to keep my accounts separate. However, yes, semantic analysis could demask me in the future, who knows. At least it'll give me the opportunity to say "that's not my account". If something is officially linked to my account, my "genius" thoughts will be bound to me and could easily be found by friends, foes, employers, whatever.
What I'm getting at is: privacy is important. Giving it up should be carefully considered, not simply done by default or thoughtlessly or "because everyone does it".
Sorry, English is not my first language, bit I thought the post is somewhat clear?
English is my first language and it was clear to me.
Good to know, thanks!
In pshych 101 they teach that sex and gender are two different things.
That's great. Since when and does everybody take psych 101?
And just to give a wider perspective (regardless of her origins), not every language makes the distinction and some up until recently did not. Look at the translations on (wiktionary). Many of them are transliterations of the English word. Which is not a surprise since the concept of gender is quite recent (1950-1960s) and was most likely very US-centric.
We didn't make a distinction in english until about ten? years ago. Most people used the terms interchangeably. That's part of why people got so pissed off about the whole thing. Suddenly they were being screamed at by a militant tumbler user for using the wrong word when they were using it that way their whole life.
I agree but also very unlikely it would make a difference if they were only sharing from their personal account.
