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

[Dan S]

2014-10-10 7:17 GMT+01:00 Frederik Ramm <frederik at remote.org>:
> Hi,
>
> On 10/10/2014 01:08 AM, Serge Wroclawski wrote:
> [...]
>> 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.
>
> Absolutely. To remain within my thought experiment, the same body odour
> that is offending to the San Francisco crowd might be considered quite
> normal in other places.
>
> Which makes it very difficult to actually give examples, as recommended
> elsewhere in this discussion. You can make a Code that says "don't
> behave grossly", or "don't offend people", but as soon as you say "for
> example, offending behaviour is if you do X" then you're very likely
> already deep into cultural imperialism a.k.a. our values are more right
> than your values.

I agree that we need to be aware of concerns at both extremes of the
scale - but I think there's a happy medium that can be struck, and I
think we can be optimistic about reaching it. The geekfeminism
guidance makes a good point that some specific examples are needed -
"don't be an asshole" doesn't really give anyone any clues about
what's expected/unacceptable, which is important for neurodiversity
reasons, for crosscultural reasons, etc. Both the geekfeminism CoC and
the QGIS CoC have simple not-too-specific examples, which personally I
think strike the right balance.

Dan