[Haskell-cafe] Re: Are there any female Haskellers?

[Günther Schmidt]

Dear Christopher,


Am 28.03.10 18:11, schrieb Christopher Lane Hinson:
>
>
> On Sun, 28 Mar 2010, G?nther Schmidt wrote
>
>> "display themselves on demand" is putting it rather harshly don't you 
>> think?
>
> No.  The women in our community are not required to come forth as 
> witnesses on what it's like to be women in our community.  They most 
> likely do not want to be under a magnifying glass, do not want to be 
> exposed to harrasment, and would not actually be qualified to 
> personally represent all other women in the community.  They do not 
> want to be held up as community ornaments.
>
I wish to clarify here: I don't recall writing in my initial email 
"Female Haskellers I demand you identify yourselves". So I took offense 
on the suggestion I did so.

> If you're wondering how I know what women in our community want -- I 
> don't.  I'm just paraphrasing things that women in this situation have 
> repeatedly said, and yet, somehow, gone unheard.
>
Do not worry, I wasn't.

> It was probably also uncool to call out a specific woman by name, who 
> did not volunteer for this.
>
Do suggest I did so? I don't recall mentioning anyone by name.

>     #
>
> I think we have some work to do to make the haskell community inclusive.
>
Possibly so, but until now I have no indication that it's not, could you 
elaborate where you see a problem? Also I personally don't do 
"community" thingies, I'm just not that kind of person. I'm not sure 
about "haskell-community". I mean I like haskell, am interested in it, 
appreciate being in contact with people who do likewise but "community"? 
I don't remember signing up or pledging allegiance.

> One thing that I keep hearing is "I'm not trying to be offensive."  I 
> think it's easy to get caught up on "not being offensive" so that we 
> don't make any progress.  It's impossible not to offend people -- but 
> it is possible to take the time to listen and correct problematic 
> behavior and communicate what you've learned to others.
One thing I do notice, one starts with a harmless question and it out of 
the blue it suddenly becomes political. In both ways. Is there really a 
need for this?

Best regards

Günther