Source Control: Master branch... big deal or no big deal?

No big deal

But…

As a black man in America, especially a black man in tech, there are a lot of things that are “no big deal”.

A lot of things in which it is easier to simply:

• turn the other cheek
• not worry about
• not be offended by
• not take “that way”
• not be overly sensitive about

The fact of the matter is… all of that is true. It is easier, more efficient, and even more effective in the ultimate goal for change (instead of focusing on the smaller things, to focus on the overt big things).

But does it have to be mutually exclusive?

We should focus on not allowing swords to be used to chop off heads… but that doesn’t stop paper cuts from hurting (and therefore we work on ways to avoid the papercuts).

So, am I being an overly sensitive whiner when I have appreciation when I see folks change the default ‘master’ branch to be called ‘main’ instead?

Am I an overly sensitive whiner because it feels good (like a weight is lifted) to acknowledge the shitty history that comes with some words, even though it isn’t the intent of the word being used in the current context?

Am I an overly sensitive whiner when I applaud the insignificant amount of work it takes to change wording in an effort to give a nod to those that may feel isolated having to use one of the many tone-def words we use in tech “blacklist/whitelist”, “master/slave databases”, “master branch”, Etc?

Yeah, I agree that it is easier for everyone to just “get over it” and ignore these little papercuts. Political correctness, like so many concepts, is a slippery slope. But, when we have the option to try and avoid the mental papercuts, the reminders that just a couple of decades ago it was law to treat some of us as lower-beings… we should.

So when I hear folks fight against the fucking insignificant effort it takes to use less offensive words… all I can say is… fuck you… fuck you very much.

Even though I despise your decision to ignore the reality that it costs nearly nothing to be a bit more humane, loving, understanding, empathetic… I won’t stop looking for ways to reduce your papercuts even if you give no fucks about reducing mine.

Stated another way… I still have love for you… while also saying with all my heart, fuck you!