[monochromatic]

> You cannot simultaneously have an intellectual debate about a topic when one of the parties involved is being actively demeaned and marginalized.

So as long as a single man is sexist, there’s no place for intellectual debate?

[ares2012]

No, that's an over simplification. Until the statistically high rate of sexual harassment and discrimination is addressed we cannot have a valid intellectual debate on whether sex influences someone's ability as a software engineer.

[monochromatic]

Why not?

[ares2012]

Because the harassment itself becomes a limiting factor on women's ability to perform the role. You cannot have objective measurements of performance with the bias introduced by harassment.

[synicalx]

I'll be willing to bet no one can answer this

[ares2012]

I just did, above. Let me know if you disagree.