[Linux-aus] An Open Letter to the Open Source Community

[Nick]

I am not a regular on this list and this opinion is in response to the
entire thread rather than the original or any subsequent post.
I have however, been following this topic with some interest, let me
explain.
It is my husband that is a member and he, knowing as a sociologist and
teacher that I have an active interest in this and similar issues,
bought it to my attention.
One of the things that has most struck me in this discussion is that
this is the net. It is genderless. We bring our own 'stuff' to it and no
offense, but you have all made it clear that we are a long way from
being able to communicate in an open manner.
I am assuming that the list is populated with relatively intelligent,
educated people, so what is the problem? If you are aware that you may
have a gender bias, and the reality is we all do, then don't create
gendered forums. It is also true that no matter how impartial we try and
be we are ALL influenced by gender in our everyday interactions. Again I
would point out that other than trying to establish legitimacy via
occupation and name, there is absolutely no reason why these things are,
or should be, relevant. I find it a bit dishearting that potentially one
of the greatest things this form of communication has to offer, open,
unbiased physical value free interaction, is squandered on petty
bickering that serves no purpose and is entirely avoidable within this
arena, if no other.

PS: Not that this is of any interest to most but be aware that theoretically there has been up to nine possible gender's identified.  The implication of this is that all of us, by simply referring to male, female are being offensive to the other seven. Ignorance is not bliss to all.

Cheers,

Nick's Wife (yes I have name, no I'm not so insecure as to think signing of this way makes me less than him).