[csense]

> I'm slightly apprehensive (terrified) about commenting on this topic or any relating to gender/race because it seems like the bar for public crucifixion is somewhat low

This is very true. I sometimes like to play devil's advocate, take up an unpopular side of an argument just to see how people react to an intelligent opponent.

I highly suggest trying this. It sharpens your perspectives; helps you think about your own biases, dogmas and blind spots. (I personally recommend trying to be somewhat anonymous, i.e. this account is my only HN username, so I'm not anonymous as far as people knowing that this current comment and all of my past comments have been made by the same real person. But this username isn't linked to my other online presences or real-life identity. Saying controversial things can be bad for your reputation.)

Taking unpopular positions -- most of the time things I don't believe, but sometimes things I do -- also opens your eyes to precisely how much we rely on name-calling -- racist, sexist, homophobe, terrorist -- to selectively frame issues and shut down discussion.