To be included in the Linux kernel a new document mandates the use of inclusive terminology in the kernel. It is suggested to refrain from using the words 'slave' and 'blacklist' for identifiers applied in the kernel. The word 'slave' is recommended to be replaced with secondary, subordinate, replica, responder, follower, proxy, and performer, while 'blacklist' should be replaced with blocklist or denylist.
The recommendations apply to new code being added to the kernel, but in the long run, it is not excluded that existing code may also be cleansed of the specified terms. However, to avoid breaking compatibility, exceptions are provided for the user-space API, as well as for already implemented protocols and hardware component definitions that dictate the use of these terms. When creating implementations based on new specifications, it is recommended to align the specification terminology with standard coding practices for the Linux kernel wherever possible.
The document was proposed by three members of the technical advisory board of the Linux Foundation: Dan Williams (NetworkManager developer, drivers for wireless devices, and nvdimm), Greg Kroah-Hartman (responsible for maintaining the stable branch of the Linux kernel, maintainer of the kernel Linux USB subsystem, driver core), and Chris Mason (creator and chief architect of the Btrfs file system). The following members of the technical advisory board also expressed approval: (former chief sysadmin of kernel.org and leader of the Ubuntu Security Team, promoting active protection technologies into the main Linux kernel) and (working on ARM architecture support in the kernel). Other notable developers who signed the document include (maintainer of the DRM subsystem) and (Randy Dunlap).
Dissent was expressed by (former member of the technical advisory board and developer of subsystems like SCSI and MCA) and (Stephen Rothwell, maintainer of the Linux-next branch). Stephen believes it is incorrect to limit racial issues solely to people of African descent; slavery was not confined to those with black skin. James suggested ignoring the topic of inclusive terms, as it only serves to exacerbate division within the community and lead to meaningless debates over the historical justification for replacing certain terms. The document presented will act as a magnet for those wishing to use more inclusive phrasing and other terms. If this issue is not raised, the attacks will remain limited to empty statements of a desire to change terms, without getting tangled in pointless arguments about whether slavery in the Ottoman Empire was more or less brutal than in America.
Source: opennet.ru
