[diversity-talk] OSM code of conduct: starting points

[Darrell Fuhriman]

A few quick comments (more thoughtful ones hopefully to follow).

> 1. Whereas the Code of Conduct presumes that most behavior is done
> with full knowledge and intent, we cannot really assume that. We can't
> assume that if someone is behaving in a way that we dislike, that it
> must be purposeful.

Absolutely not. One of the points of the Code of Conduct is to draw attention to behaviors that people may not realize are distasteful to others.

> 2. We can't assume that in all cases, someone is able to modify some
> behavior just because they're aware of it.

But then we need to ask if we actually want those people included. If one’s person behavior is chasing away multiple people, do we just accept it regardless of if they’re able to help themselves or not?

> A mailing list can allow someone to be moderated, whereas you can't
> moderate someone at an event.

Of course you can, you just do it differently. You can ask someone to leave for example, and in severe or repeat-offender cases, make it clear that they are no longer welcome at this or at future events.

> 5. We must also allow for cultural differences.
> 
> What is acceptable and normal in San Fransisco is going to be
> different from what's normal and acceptable in Jakarta. We need to
> allow for tweaks and changes to reflect local culture and mores.

Some, but “cultural differences” cannot be used to excuse certain behaviors.  Many cultures are deeply sexist, should we just automatically accept sexism? I think not.

Darrell