Serious problems with their gender

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of gender identification within the context of an online science forum. Participants explore the implications of explicitly stating gender in user profiles, considering both the advantages and disadvantages of such a practice. The conversation touches on personal experiences, societal perceptions, and the potential impact on forum dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that allowing users to specify their gender could improve statistics and reduce confusion in communication.
  • Others express concerns that revealing gender might lead to complications or misunderstandings within the forum community.
  • A few participants share personal anecdotes about being misidentified based on their usernames or avatars.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the potential reactions of philosophers to a registration form that includes multiple gender options.
  • Some members indicate that they do not personally care about gender identification but acknowledge that it can be a source of confusion for others.
  • One participant humorously claims to have a complex identity that includes being a "37 year-old Lithuanian midget" with unusual hobbies.
  • Another participant reflects on the societal stereotype that women are less knowledgeable in math and science, expressing irritation at being disbelieved when stating their gender.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the suggestion to specify gender. While some see potential benefits, others remain skeptical or indifferent, indicating a mix of opinions and unresolved perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about gender identity and societal norms, which may not be universally applicable. Additionally, the humor and personal anecdotes shared may influence the seriousness with which the topic is approached.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring gender identity in online communities, those interested in the dynamics of forum interactions, and participants in STEM fields who engage with diverse audiences.

  • #31
Lisa! said:
Buuut.. you had promised me not to...
:redface: I'm sorry. It just kind of slipped out. You know how it goes when I'm drinking.:redface:
 
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  • #32
Lisa! said:
Again, nobody is going to tell me what s/he thinks of this suggestion?
If you want to state gender, you may do so in your personal profile, or in the location description if you want it to appear in every post.
 
  • #33
Or if we had custom titles.
 
  • #34
Diane_ said:
[snip]
Since I'm here - like you, Lisa, my name pretty much communicates my gender, [snip]
Doesn't always work (remind me, who is, or was, Nereid?)
 
  • #35
Any of the 50 sea nymph daughters of sea god Nereus?
 
  • #36
Tide said:
Any of the 50 sea nymph daughters of sea god Nereus?

It figures a guy named "Tide" would know that.
 
  • #37
Naturally - LoL! :)
 
  • #38
Never looked at it that way. I always figured that he's an expert on washing machines.
 
  • #39
loseyourname said:
Or if we had custom titles.
I miss the old "wave" titles - microwave, visible light wave, and so on. PF had those when I first started.
 
  • #40
Math Is Hard said:
..microwave, visible light wave, and so on..

Haha, that's so corny. Thank God that's gone.
 
  • #41
Nereid said:
Doesn't always work (remind me, who is, or was, Nereid?)
The person who was in charge of General Astronomy & Cosmology forum for a while.:-p Don't worry, I get what you mean.

Someone said you're a she, but from what you're saying you must be a he!:confused:
 
  • #42
Lisa! said:
Someone said you're a she, but from what you're saying you must be a he!:confused:
Just the opposite, count the number of times Nereid has been referred to as 'he', until I (or someone else) pointed out the origin of the name:
Any of the 50 sea nymph daughters of sea god Nereus
The name is unambiguous, many people said 'he'; maybe people just didn't know?
Anyway, it's all ancient history now. But here's the rest of what Diane_ said (my bold):
and people still sometimes don't get it. I don't really care one way or the other. If someone asks, I tell them. It's a little irritating when they decide not to believe me, because Heaven knows women don't know math or science or ever use the Internet, but it's low on my list of things to worry about.
And Nereid was never 'in charge' of GA&C (it's been Phobos and Janus from Day 1). :-p
 
  • #43
Nereid said:
Just the opposite, count the number of times Nereid has been referred to as 'he', until I (or someone else) pointed out the origin of the name:The name is unambiguous, many people said 'he'; maybe people just didn't know?
Anyway that's a great UN::smile:

1. 1 of the daughters of Nereus.
2. 1 of the satellites of Neptune. (Astronomy:wink:)




And Nereid was never 'in charge' of GA&C (it's been Phobos and Janus from Day 1). :-p
Oops, How sure I was!:blushing:
 
  • #44
Lisa! said:
Someone said you're a she, but from what you're saying you must be a he!:confused:
Some people are both, Lisa. (actually if you want to be politically correct, some people are neither)
 
  • #45
I didn'tknow Lisa! was capable of creating such a crappy thrread that it gets moved to GD! :eek:
 
  • #46
Actually, I think it was the direction we took the thread in after she created it. Off-topic R Us.
 
  • #47
Hah! Looks like we sucked Diane into GD! :-p :approve:
 
  • #48
get the net!
 
  • #49
Evo said:
Hah! Looks like we sucked Diane into GD! :-p :approve:
muuuwahahhahaha! Welcome to the Hotel California, Diane. :devil: :approve:
 
  • #50
I understand checkout time is different from departure time?
 
  • #51
Uhm, checkout? :rolleyes:

there is no checkout :devil:
 
  • #52
Nereid said:
Just the opposite, count the number of times Nereid has been referred to as 'he', until I (or someone else) pointed out the origin of the name:

I know. I mean really, if you were a male Super Mentor then why would Nereus have named his daughters after you? I mean think about it, people.
 
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  • #53
Evo said:
Hah! Looks like we sucked Diane into GD! :-p :approve:
:smile: Yep, that's how we do it. We set the traps out in Feedback, and when we catch a good one, we move the thread to GD and you'll never escape again! :devil: :smile:
 
  • #54
nereid said:
Just the opposite, count the number of times Nereid has been referred to as 'he',

Hi Nereid, Yes, I know, several times. I'm really delighted to see you back again BTW, we must talk Venus sometimes. As of gender, I have observed major discussion accidents when the gender of the opposing party was unclear/unkwown, which hints to choosing clear aliasses.
 
  • #55
i am a man and proud of it!
 

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