[zajd]

What harm is caused by using non-gendered language in commit messages? Time-wasting? Really?

If it doesn't matter to you, fine. But if it matters to other people, why complain about it? Do you really think Chromium is suffering as a project because the developers are wasting too much time on ensuring the codebase is inclusive?

[macinjosh]

It is just another thing to think about while performing an already cognitively heavy task. A developer should be focused on ensuring what is written (code or commit message) is technically correct, well formed, and cogent. Adding another layer on top where one has to ensure they didn't accidentally use a gendered term just adds to the cognitive load.

[matthewmacleod]

Are you implying that your fragile mental state is going to fall apart when exposed to the idea of generally using gender-neutral language? :)

It's basically no imposition at all, and you have already expended more effort in arguing against this than it would take to simply make a mental note that gender-neutral language is ideal next time you submit code to Chromium.

[macinjosh]

Personal attacks are for the small minded.

Developers have enough to worry about without worrying about being crucified for using a word like she or he. Why can't we focus on getting shit done instead of focusing on the minutiae of which pronouns we use.

Maybe we should stop immigrant minorities from speaking Spanish which is an extremely gendered language.

In any case, what problem does this really solve? If we enforce the use of non-gendered terms will sexism/genderism magically be reduced? If it were only that easy!

[vertex-four]

A suggestion for contributors to make a habit of using non-gendered terms is one of many ways that software project communities can signal that they pay attention to diversity issues, and attract developers who might be nervous about investing themselves in a new community (given some of the actual awfulness that happens in some of them).

[Mz]

Personal attacks are for the small minded.

Pot meet kettle.

[mdekkers]

This is just too easy to reverse:

Are you implying that your fragile mental state is going to fall apart when exposed to the idea of generally using gender-specific language? :)

[rexpop]

1) As true as that is, it's actually a worthwhile exercise for all of us to practice gender neutrality. If we move our industry toward inclusivity, we'll more than make up for these minute productivity fears.

2) Using a gendered term isn't "accidental", but a built-in bug. Our biases are constructed in us by our environment, and we only benefit from growing out of them. If not now, when?

[zeveb]

> What harm is caused by using non-gendered language in commit messages?

It wreaks violence on the English language. I love our language (and others: many languages are beautiful in their own different ways), and modern denatured, bureaucratic English is an atrocity.

> But if it matters to other people, why complain about it?

Because I want more beauty in this world. Because I don't want the sort of people who desecrate my mother tongue to win.

[DanBC]

Singular "their" has been in use since the 14th century. No "harm" to the language is done with this long-established usage.

http://pemberley.com/janeinfo/austheir.html