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Comment by ta-ffsmcu | Hacker News Reader

I can see this happening with myself (male, for the record). I'm usually someone who gives feedback quite frankly, am more critical of others' (and my own) work than average, etc.

Over recent years I've read so much about women being passed over, cut off, terms like "microaggressions", women getting less talking time in meetings, etc., that's it's made me extremely self conscious.

It's not even that I'm afraid of getting in any actual trouble if I say or do something wrong, it's just that I'm generally already somewhat anxious about how I behave around others and this has made me extremely aware of any time I might be too harsh, not really listen to someone, etc., that I've probably gotten overly sensitive.

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I find it funny because they love to talk about implicit bias and microaggressions, and all these other things that "white men" are not aware of, but then cancel them when white men do something wrong. Where is the opportunity to learn and grow?

If you want to make an argument in favor of learning and growing, that's great, but please don't lead with ideological flamebait. That will only produce more flamewar.

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I feel the same way. A lot of the emphasis is placed on the words and not enough on the context, intent behind those words (by everyone, not specific to male or female or any other group here). People have learned to keep quiet. And when they do speak, they use highly polished, politically correct language (silly example - first time my manager said he is taking a "bio break", I was confused. Took me a second to understand he is going to the bathroom).

This happens in the media a lot too (left and right). A single sentence (or even part of a sentence) can be plucked out of an interview, shown out of context and boom - the person seems like a monster. Someone might have best intentions, but not be very polished in expressing them. So why risk talking at all, unless we are 100% sure it cannot be misconstrued in any way? It is just easier to keep quiet. Which results in loss of lively, valuable discussions.

Some comedian (forgot who it was) mentioned that they don't like performing in colleges anymore as the audience is too sensitive. That is the situation we are in.

> Some comedian (forgot who it was) mentioned that they don't like performing in colleges anymore

Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock have stated that they are not willing to perform at colleges. There are probably more, but with smaller names.

FWIW I don't interpret "bio break" as PC - I saw it used commonly while playing World of Warcraft ~2009 as "brb bio" is quick to type/say.

What’s the thinking behind the term “bio break” instead of “I’m going to run to the bathroom”? Sounds like something out of Futurama to me.

Hmm, reading into it it does seem to have been co-opted by corporate.

I've only heard it mentioned within gaming, and it typically means more than just bathroom (Encompassing instead a bunch of different biological necessities like bathroom, hydration, eating)

"bio break" is short, that's good? And both words start with "b" that's good if writing poetry

I've always wondered this too. We all know what you're doing anyways so I don't understand why that phrase seems to be trying to "hide" it or something, and afaik there isn't any issues with the words bathroom or restroom right?

The British have nailed this one: they simply say they're going to the toilet. What they will do when they arrive is entirely a figment of your imagination, and well if it involves anything nasty that's on you.

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