[Mimedefang] OT: Slaves

David F. Skoll dfs at roaringpenguin.com
Fri Feb 16 13:05:07 EST 2007


Kevin A. McGrail wrote:

> This was similar to my first gut reaction but after more reflection, the
> term slave when used with master is most definitely a negative term.  It
> is clearly referencing actual slavery.

OK.  Let's call the multiplexor "Program A" and the Perl processes "Program B."
What's an accurate term for a situation in which:

- Program A makes program B do all the work.
- Program B has to do the work, whether or not it wants to.
- Program B doesn't get paid to do the work.
- If Program B takes too long to do the work, Program A can kill it.

> So removing this terminology from use is no different than removing
> other negative/racist/sexist words like fireman instead of firefighter
> from the lexicon.

Language evolves naturally, but well-meaning attempts to force change
due to political correctness are futile and irritating.  Instead of
worrying about the language, we should work for the day when the
*only* usage of "slave" is to describe process relationships or
IDE drives.

Regards,

David.



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