Eliezer_Yudkowsky comments on Of Exclusionary Speech and Gender Politics - Less Wrong

62 Post author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 21 July 2009 07:22AM

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Comment author: Alicorn 22 July 2009 06:37:19AM *  -1 points [-]

...Is there some chance I can, like, deputize individual (amenable) males who I think have their heads on straight? This would make me feel less like I have to go on being the feminism police because I am one of a handful of people around here eligible (by your standard) and one of even fewer who also cares and is obstinate enough to speak up.

Edit: Why does this apparently bother multiple different people that I suggested it?

Edit 2 to address replies (thanks for the explanations): I was not suggesting that I should, upon seeing a sexism-related problem, call on these hypothetical deputies and collaborate on hammering the comment into oblivion. I meant that the hypothetical deputies would have the approval of me, a female, to identify things that are "insulting the honor of femininity" so that if this identification needs doing, it doesn't have to fall to me to do it. In my mental model, they'd do this on their own initiative, much as [anyone who I would select] already does; they'd just have the backing from someone with the anatomical credentials Eliezer wants to make this sort of call.

Comment author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 22 July 2009 07:00:02AM 2 points [-]

The idea of deputies is... well... silly... but I suppose if you actually were finding that it took up your time, then sure, I guess so. I'm hoping you won't have to do this more than once in a blue moon once we settle what the actual LW policy is.

Why does this apparently bother two different people that I suggested it?

I have no idea. Those downvotes really should've come with an explanation.

Comment author: Jonathan_Graehl 22 July 2009 09:48:55PM 7 points [-]

I have plenty of guesses, on the other hand, for the downvotes:

1) divisive langauge - there are those who "I think have their heads on straight" and everyone else, who is suspected of wrongdoing. probably more offense at being suspected than desire to behave brutishly

2) attempt to assume authority and power - unless your position is secure, or your proposal compelling, people will tear down and mock the young upstart

3) interpetation of "i think we should do this" as a call for votes

4) actual rational disagreement