'Master' and 'slave' computer labels unacceptable, officials say

[corkyg]

Apparently, some folks just don't have enough to do. Looks like most of George Orwell's prophecies are becoming reality. Sad!

 

[Miramonti]

Originally posted by: Sunner

Originally posted by: jjsole Actually, when I first learned about computer components in '99 I thought these terms were kind of crude.

IMO that makes you an extremely snesitive person, and frankly, the whole world just can't adapt to a few very sensitive people. And no, that's not meant as a flame or anything.

I never said i was offended, but that it sounded crude the first time I learned it.

Male/female, not crude, nipples, not crude, but master/slave conjurred up a crude image when I read it in a hd manual, because when you normally hear the terms together, its usually referring to black history or s&m/dominatrix stuff etc.

If someone doesn't think of previous definitions/references when learning something, then maybe they are just braindead.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: jjsole

Originally posted by: Sunner

Originally posted by: jjsole Actually, when I first learned about computer components in '99 I thought these terms were kind of crude.

IMO that makes you an extremely snesitive person, and frankly, the whole world just can't adapt to a few very sensitive people. And no, that's not meant as a flame or anything.

I never said i was offended, but that it sounded crude the first time I learned it.

Male/female, not crude, nipples, not crude, but master/slave conjurred up a crude image when I read it in a hd manual, because when you normally hear the terms together, its usually referring to black history or s&m/dominatrix stuff etc.

If someone doesn't think of previous definitions/references when learning something, then maybe they are just braindead.

When I hear the word master, I think of "master baker", or "funk master flex". When I hear the world "slave", I think about myself going to work every day. Keep in mind, these are HARD DISK DRIVES and for the most part they're all black AND white.

 

[jdurg]

I think there's some incredible irony in this whole thing. The people who have become offended by the master/slave designation of hardware are probably the people who would like to see ignorance and stubborness stamped out. However, by demanding that the master/slave designations be changed, they are the ones who are ignorant and stubborn. (Not to mention egotistical as well. If they think that master/slave only refers to the slavery period in the United States, they fail to realize that the period of slavery in the USA was MUCH shorter than the periods of slavery which existed/exist everywhere else in the world).

They are ignorant in that they don't realize that the term "master" doesn't mean "white man who beats black slave." It means dominant, or superior device. They also don't realize that "slave" doesn't mean "black man who is whipped and beaten by his white owner." It means subordinate, or second-tier device.

They are stubborn in that they refuse to accept the fact that the master/slave designation in no way is meant to be taken in terms of human beings. These devices are not human beings. They are pieces of electronic equipment. If they were jobs in a company which were designated master/slave, then yes, they have a valid complaint. As it stands now, they have no valid complaint and need to wake up and do some research.

 

[Ardan]

I would just simply say it is crazy for him to think that, but I won't put words in the person offended by saying they are stubborn and ignorant. I would say it is right to think he or she is ultra-sensitive and probably doesn't understand the true meaning of the words but that doesn't mean they are thinking of only when the US had slavery. We have to acknowledge that slavery is not dead (as I know you hinted at); it just doesn't exist in the same way that we remember it to exist. We don't know much about the person, but we do know that they are at least foolish to be offended by it and that it is even more foolish for California to take one man or woman out of 90,000 with an outrageous complaint and run with it.

The focus of the nonsense about wanting it changed should be on the officials because he just simply filed an complaint and they decided to do all that craziness. I would go as far to say that they are more naive and unaware of the underlying parts of a computer to have some of them suggest not buying parts with the names 'Master' and 'Slave.' If they knew what they were talking about, they would have dismissed the complaint.

--------

This is my opinion; you do not have to agree but you do have to be intelligent.

 

[ronnn]

Hate to say it, but I can see how it could be found offensive. Certainly not a part of the human experience to be proud of. Besides if as all of you say it shouldn't matter, why all the resistance to change? Why not call them George Bush - Tony Blair

 

[Macro2]

Yet another attempt to denigrate the white man. Destroy the white man.

So says Michael Savage

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: Macro2
Yet another attempt to denigrate the white man. Destroy the white man.

So says Michael Savage

Exactly what part of master and slave refers to the white man? And why would using a different designation denigrate anyone? On a different note, why exactly is the secondary drive called a slave? I just do not see the connection.

 

[Macro2]

RE:"Exactly what part of master and slave refers to the white man?"

Ah come on...everyone knows this is about the white man being the master and the black man the slave. The way it is, is that the white man must be denigrated. This is the liberal way.
And there is money tied to it in many instances. Like reparations.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: jdurg
I think there's some incredible irony in this whole thing. The people who have become offended by the master/slave designation of hardware are probably the people who would like to see ignorance and stubborness stamped out. However, by demanding that the master/slave designations be changed, they are the ones who are ignorant and stubborn. (Not to mention egotistical as well. If they think that master/slave only refers to the slavery period in the United States, they fail to realize that the period of slavery in the USA was MUCH shorter than the periods of slavery which existed/exist everywhere else in the world).

They are ignorant in that they don't realize that the term "master" doesn't mean "white man who beats black slave." It means dominant, or superior device. They also don't realize that "slave" doesn't mean "black man who is whipped and beaten by his white owner." It means subordinate, or second-tier device.

They are stubborn in that they refuse to accept the fact that the master/slave designation in no way is meant to be taken in terms of human beings. These devices are not human beings. They are pieces of electronic equipment. If they were jobs in a company which were designated master/slave, then yes, they have a valid complaint. As it stands now, they have no valid complaint and need to wake up and do some research.

Excellent post jdurg.

This is yet another item to have the rest of the world laugh at the U.S. The idiots in Power Positions really ought to examine and pick the battles they choice to fight better, they're sending us back to the Caves.

 

[ronnn]

Still do not see the big problem with changing names. If a certain name brings up uncomfortable or negative and offensive connotations for some group - don't use it. This has nothing to do with making a negative comment on the self centered, white american male.

 

[Macro2]

There have been master/slave relationships throughout human history. In this case however it's an electrical relationship.
Next thing they will want to do is ban those words, strike them from the dictionary.

 

[wetcat007]

I'm gunna make a giant pro slave drive and master drive protest because of this just so people relise how stupid this is.

 

[wetcat007]

well in this case the RIAA is discriminating against file sharing folks, SUE i say SUE!!!

 

[Duvie]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: jdurg
I think there's some incredible irony in this whole thing. The people who have become offended by the master/slave designation of hardware are probably the people who would like to see ignorance and stubborness stamped out. However, by demanding that the master/slave designations be changed, they are the ones who are ignorant and stubborn. (Not to mention egotistical as well. If they think that master/slave only refers to the slavery period in the United States, they fail to realize that the period of slavery in the USA was MUCH shorter than the periods of slavery which existed/exist everywhere else in the world).

They are ignorant in that they don't realize that the term "master" doesn't mean "white man who beats black slave." It means dominant, or superior device. They also don't realize that "slave" doesn't mean "black man who is whipped and beaten by his white owner." It means subordinate, or second-tier device.

They are stubborn in that they refuse to accept the fact that the master/slave designation in no way is meant to be taken in terms of human beings. These devices are not human beings. They are pieces of electronic equipment. If they were jobs in a company which were designated master/slave, then yes, they have a valid complaint. As it stands now, they have no valid complaint and need to wake up and do some research.

Excellent post jdurg.

This is yet another item to have the rest of the world laugh at the U.S. The idiots in Power Positions really ought to examine and pick the battles they choice to fight better, they're sending us back to the Caves.

I agree...nice way to put it....

This reminds me of a local story here in the portland oregon area....A bunch of ppl (and I wont name color) at a Hip-Hop concert one night spotted a cop car that had a stuffed gorilla in the grill of the police car...Immediately they cried foul and racism without knowing any of the circumstances...They sent it to the media and started a sh*t storm of controversy and planned reviews...One day later it was reviewed and confirmed the stuffed gorilla belonged to a drunken mentally disturbed man who becuase of his public intoxiation was arrested. The stuffed animal stunk of "urine" and "alcohol" and therefore the cops did not want it inside the vehicle or the trunk....Story solved...

deliberate??? NOT
Insensitive??? Only to the hyper sensitive racist and bigots themselves, who look at everything in life in a negative light. Part of The "new Ameria" where you are never at fault and someone has always wronged you....



THE QUESTION I ASK:

WHO IS THE RACIST HERE??? THE ONES WHO LOOK AT EVERYTHING AND SEE BLACK AND WHITE??? THE ONES WHO ALWAYS SEE RACISM IN EVERYTHING AS MUNDAIN AND TRIVIAL THAT IT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR DECADES WITHOUT A COMPLAINT???

I think the racist or the person with the problem is the person who looked at this and became offended obviuosly by immediately thinking of white and black slavery...

Sounds like another way for ppl to get a free ride in life and trial lawyers to make money....



WE NEED TO SEE WHO ARE THE REAL RACIST HERE......

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: Duvie


WE NEED TO SEE WHO ARE THE REAL RACIST HERE......

Changing the name of an electrical component is a racial attack on who?

 

[THUGSROOK]

this is pathetic

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

Originally posted by: ronnn

Originally posted by: Duvie


WE NEED TO SEE WHO ARE THE REAL RACIST HERE......

Changing the name of an electrical component is a racial attack on who?

I believe he's saying that the people that made the complaint are the racist ones, since they turned a pretty stupid thing into a battle of the races. I kinda agree, although I wouldn't call them racist, I'd just call them whiners or oversensitive or just stupid.

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by:BingBongWongFooey

I believe he's saying that the people that made the complaint are the racist ones, since they turned a pretty stupid thing into a battle of the races. I kinda agree, although I wouldn't call them racist, I'd just call them whiners or oversensitive or just stupid.

So maybe they are oversensitive (whiners and stupid I won't touch) - but they are obviously not the only ones. Again if a sizable portion of people find a term offensive - no biggie to change it. The english language has went through many changes along these lines and I would be very surprised if hard drives cost more if the manuals were written using different terminology.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

Originally posted by: ronnn

Originally posted by:BingBongWongFooey

I believe he's saying that the people that made the complaint are the racist ones, since they turned a pretty stupid thing into a battle of the races. I kinda agree, although I wouldn't call them racist, I'd just call them whiners or oversensitive or just stupid.

So maybe they are oversensitive (whiners and stupid I won't touch) - but they are obviously not the only ones. Again if a sizable portion of people find a term offensive - no biggie to change it. The english language has went through many changes along these lines and I would be very surprised if hard drives cost more if the manuals were written using different terminology.

"a sizable portion of people" - bah, who cares. Ever heard of tyranny of the majority? This is an assault on common sense IMO. It's like the fiasco over the word niggardly. It's ridiculous.

 

[CZroe]

Double post, I'll make the most of it...

Originally posted by: jjsole
Actually, when I first learned about computer components in '99 I thought these terms were kind of crude.

That's ridiculous. Do you speak English? These words are perfectly descriptive of the relationship between the two devices.

 

[CZroe]

Originally posted by: BingBongWongFooey
It's true that the words master and slave are rarely used anymore and someone who isn't into technical stuff might be surprised to see them in use.

HOWEVER, that doesn't mean that it's wrong in any way. Master and slave are pretty simple, self-explanatory words, that had meaning before Africans were enslaved in America, and continue to retain those meanings today.

We should outlaw the words "whip" and "plantation" too!

I wouldn't say rarely used. I can think of no replacement words with the same meaning and they were in use before the slavery which inspired the civil rights movement existed and was thereby universally understood when used to describe such slavery. It is still understood just as well, if not more so thanks to history lessons. The words were never supposed to be associated with any specific application ever and still are not associated with them. Only in the minds of those who fixate on this one use.

Originally posted by: jdurg
I think there's some incredible irony in this whole thing. The people who have become offended by the master/slave designation of hardware are probably the people who would like to see ignorance and stubborness stamped out. However, by demanding that the master/slave designations be changed, they are the ones who are ignorant and stubborn. (Not to mention egotistical as well. If they think that master/slave only refers to the slavery period in the United States, they fail to realize that the period of slavery in the USA was MUCH shorter than the periods of slavery which existed/exist everywhere else in the world).

They are ignorant in that they don't realize that the term "master" doesn't mean "white man who beats black slave." It means dominant, or superior device. They also don't realize that "slave" doesn't mean "black man who is whipped and beaten by his white owner." It means subordinate, or second-tier device.

They are stubborn in that they refuse to accept the fact that the master/slave designation in no way is meant to be taken in terms of human beings. These devices are not human beings. They are pieces of electronic equipment. If they were jobs in a company which were designated master/slave, then yes, they have a valid complaint. As it stands now, they have no valid complaint and need to wake up and do some research.

Damn straight. The words existed before the United State's period of slavery. It was descriptive of that period and what used. It is also descriptive of the relationship of the two devices sharing the IDE channel and was used. It is also descriptive of man and machine, love, and many other situations. "I KNOW! Let's stop using the word 'slave' just because human slavery is wrong! Let's PRETEND that there is a word that means the same thing except it does not apply to humans." Now how do we describe modern slavery?

Originally posted by: Ardan
I would just simply say it is crazy for him to think that, but I won't put words in the person offended by saying they are stubborn and ignorant. I would say it is right to think he or she is ultra-sensitive and probably doesn't understand the true meaning of the words but that doesn't mean they are thinking of only when the US had slavery. We have to acknowledge that slavery is not dead (as I know you hinted at); it just doesn't exist in the same way that we remember it to exist. We don't know much about the person, but we do know that they are at least foolish to be offended by it and that it is even more foolish for California to take one man or woman out of 90,000 with an outrageous complaint and run with it.

The focus of the nonsense about wanting it changed should be on the officials because he just simply filed an complaint and they decided to do all that craziness. I would go as far to say that they are more naive and unaware of the underlying parts of a computer to have some of them suggest not buying parts with the names 'Master' and 'Slave.' If they knew what they were talking about, they would have dismissed the complaint.

--------

This is my opinion; you do not have to agree but you do have to be intelligent.

These people obviously have no grasp of the English language. I call it "stubborn" and "ignorant" to proceed and go through "exahustive" efforts without putting the effort enough to learn English when their own actions make it painfully obvious. It's like trying to tell Einstein that E=MC^2 is wrong because eggs do not come from two moo-cows and hoping the rest of the world is stupid enough to agree.

Originally posted by: ronnn
Hate to say it, but I can see how it could be found offensive. Certainly not a part of the human experience to be proud of. Besides if as all of you say it shouldn't matter, why all the resistance to change? Why not call them George Bush - Tony Blair

The word "slave" is the issue we have because the word is not what is offensive. That's the events in human history you're thinking about. The word existed before. How can someone be offended by correct use of the word? Either you mean you can see how morons assume that "slave" refers back to one major historical era or you yourself assume its origins to be the same. Life is slave to the Sun and the Earth. Machinery is slave to mankind. Even animals. Horses and dogs have "masters." "Equal rights" has no place here. The word currently exists, has a defined meaning and that's that. It is not "slang" There is no reason to use a different word when a perfectly adequate word exists. That's just childish.

Originally posted by: ronnn
Still do not see the big problem with changing names. If a certain name brings up uncomfortable or negative and offensive connotations for some group - don't use it. This has nothing to do with making a negative comment on the self centered, white american male.

Wrong wrong wrong wrong. "Feelings" didn't write the dictionary. Words do not fall into disuse or become "bad" because someone used them to negatively describe a group.

Originally posted by: ronnn

Originally posted by: Duvie


WE NEED TO SEE WHO ARE THE REAL RACIST HERE......

Changing the name of an electrical component is a racial attack on who?

(If thought of as an identity) The English language!

So I guess every word that has ever been used for anything negative looses all meaning and should be stricken from the dictionary so future generations can never understand our written history? WORDS are used to DESCRIBE things people. You use them well and they may catch on creating a generally accepted new use and new definition but the old definition will still have the higher number in the dictionary.






I'M OFFENDED THAT CIVILIZATION USED THE WORD SLAVERY TO DESCRIBE THE HUMAN INJUSTICE THAT TOOK PLACE IN THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD! THE WORD "SLAVE" IS WHAT OFFENDS ME! NOT THE INJUSTICE ITSELF! THE WORD SHOULD BE STRICKEN FROM ALL FURTHER USE BECAUSE OF WHAT IT WAS USED TO DESCRIBE IN THE PAST!

 

[ronnn]

Originally posted by: CZroe

I'M OFFENDED THAT CIVILIZATION USED THE WORD SLAVERY TO DESCRIBE THE HUMAN INJUSTICE THAT TOOK PLACE IN THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD! THE WORD "SLAVE" IS WHAT OFFENDS ME! NOT THE INJUSTICE ITSELF! THE WORD SHOULD BE STRICKEN FROM ALL FURTHER USE BECAUSE OF WHAT IT WAS USED TO DESCRIBE IN THE PAST!

Oh well when they change the terminology, boycott all things electrical.

 

[Atlantean]

hahaha thats hilarious what a moron. Its electronics...

 

[SpideyCU]

Originally posted by: ronnn
So maybe they are oversensitive (whiners and stupid I won't touch) - but they are obviously not the only ones. Again if a sizable portion of people find a term offensive - no biggie to change it. The english language has went through many changes along these lines and I would be very surprised if hard drives cost more if the manuals were written using different terminology.

I don't think it's "no biggie" to change it. You're talking about revamping terminology used throughout the entire technical industry. Furthermore, AFAIK, these "oversensitive" people hardly amount to a "sizable portion".

I don't like the attitude that everyone else should have to jump whenever someone might possibly find something offensive, especially if their reason is poor or their view is ignorant. It certainly seems to be the case here. You know what ronnn, I find three N's in a row offensive. Furthermore, I find it offensive that you didn't capitalize your username. By your logic, if I get a few other people here to agree with me, you should change your name.

Does that make sense? Yeah, thought not. Just because a certain number of people demand something doesn't mean we should accomodate them. Rationale and logic go out the window if we blindly do so. Do we really have to discuss the foolishness of undiscerning appeasement?

With that being said, I'm hoping most people who read this story react as the majority of us here have: with outright disbelief. I'm fairly certain this will blow over like previous craziness, but I'm always afraid that "this will be the one", the lawsuit that somehow breaks ground and opens the door for further idiocies.