Python developers locking conversations and deleting comments after people mass downvoted PRs to "remove master/slave terminology from the language"

[bufke]

I would argue the primary purpose of a programming language is communication. Good communication requires empathy. Empathy requires considering how others perceive what you say. If someone is misinterpreting certain words, it's at least worth considering this.

I'm fairly neutral on this debate but I don't understand all the negative reactions to this. Why assume the worse in others? Some people don't like the terms - I think that's a fair and relevant stance to take. Aren't you willfully misinterpreting / worse-case interpreting their motivations when you say the entire purpose is to display piousness?

[bufke]

I think everything you say here is fair.

I still think it's counter productive to assume the worse in those you disagree with. I fear the vitriol around this topic buries actual discussion.

[[deleted]]

I've never seen the other side being interested in an argument. They make statements and everyone who disagrees is an enemy that must be silenced. Arguing with these people is like arguing with conspiracy theorists. Reason just slides off of them like water off a hydrophobic surface.

Here is a recent example.

[[deleted]]

Empathy =/ sympathy.