Re: [Gimp-user] Violation of GNOME Code of Conduct - ablelist language and discrimination

[Alexandre Prokoudine <alexandre prokoudine gmail com>]

Dear Michael,

If I were to summarize our conversation with GNOME Foundation a few
months back, it would be this: GIMP has neither boss nor master, so
should the name of this project be changed, it will happen on team's
own terms — the decision, the timing, the name etc.

However, if your patience is running out, I encourage you to use
https://glimpse-editor.org/ which specifically addresses your
concerns.

Alex


On Tue, May 25, 2021 at 9:19 PM Michael Richards via gimp-user-list
<gimp-user-list gnome org> wrote:
> Dear Gnome and Gnu Image Manipulation Program community,
>
> I formally request that the GIMP name be changed on the basis that it violates the GNOME Code of Conduct.
>
> I make this request, not to cause trouble but to stand up against unintentional - but no less harmful - 
> discrimination.
>
> I want to be able to this software but I don’t feel morally able to because of the name.
>
> I know this is under the FAQ - and that perhaps makes it even more of a worthy conversation to revisit... 
> because if you’re talking frequently asked then these concerns are not just mine.
>
> I am a person with multiple disabilities. I, and others like me, face many barriers, structural violence, 
> and overt discrimination. All this together creates great suffering for many.
>
> The response I read in FAQ about changing this software’s name is not sufficient.
>
> https://www.gimp.org/docs/userfaq.html#i-dont-like-the-name-gimp-will-you-change-it
>
> I don’t think that this is intentional but it comes out of ignorance and doesn’t reflect what I see as the 
> spirit of the FOSS community.
>
> It essentially says, ‘we came up with a name we knew (or came to know) was offensive 20+ years ago and we 
> refuse to change or evolve.’ Moreover, it is typical of the attitude towards people with disabilities as a 
> marginalized group - it says, ‘Your pain and suffering are not important. Our branding is more important.’
>
> This is in violation of the Gnome.org Code of Conduct. https://wiki.gnome.org/Foundation/CodeOfConduct
>
> Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist language or otherwise exclusionary language. This includes 
> deliberately referring to someone by a gender that they do not identify with, and/or questioning the 
> legitimacy of an individual's gender identity. If you're unsure if a word is derogatory, don't use it. This 
> also includes repeated subtle and/or indirect discrimination.
> Think of how quickly this software’s name would change if the name was a derogatory term for another 
> marginalized group. Terms I will not use even for example because they are generally considered so 
> offensive. The name of this software is just as offensive.
>
> So, in the spirit of inclusion and doing no harm - I formally request that the name be changed. It’s 2021, 
> the world is hurting, we need to work together.
>
> I am not asking this because I don’t want to support this software and the community that uses it and 
> develops it. I requesting this because I want to support it.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Michael Richards, BSc, (he/him)
> Victoria BC, Canada
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