Michiel HaismaJan 12, 2023
Christian Grobmeier

"Natives in Tech" - a group of "Indigenous Developers" asks the Apache Software Foundation to change its name out of respect for the native people. I fully agree to this proposal although I am also a member of the ASF. You can read and sign it here:

https://blog.nativesintech.org/apache-appropriation/

Boost if you agree, I can think this petition will need some visibility.

#asf #native #apache #software #opensource

Apache® Appropriation

It is not uncommon to learn about non-Indigenous entities appropriating Indigenous culture but none of them are as large, prestigious, nor well-known as The Apache® Software Foundation is in software circles.

Natives in Tech Blog
Jan 10, 2023 at 10:19pmWeb
Show threadKevin WittekJan 11, 2023
@grobmeier I also agree and it indeed like violating the CoC in this sense.
Show threadyuletideJan 11, 2023
@grobmeier @danhon Here’s a link to the petition took me a minute to find it https://www.endasfmascotry.com/
ASF and “Native”-themed Mascotry

ASF has been “playing Indian” for decades. There is no respectful way to appropriate and it’s long past the time for ASF to change its name and branding.

Show threadThiloJan 11, 2023
@grobmeier funfact: Apache was given to the people by the Spanish probably around 1598. It’s not something they called themselves.
Show threadChristian GrobmeierJan 11, 2023
@Pingu so?
Show threadErnie SmithJan 11, 2023
@grobmeier This is really interesting and I’m curious if this discussion has come up before.
Show threadMr. CompletelyJan 11, 2023
@grobmeier if members of the named group object and consider it appropriation, it should be changed
Show threadChet Hendrickson has movedJan 11, 2023
@grobmeier I try to follow @RonJeffries advice and never offend someone inadvertently. Let’s change Apache to a name that won’t offend.
Show threadChristian GrobmeierJan 11, 2023
@chetHendrickson @RonJeffries wise advice
Show threadAdron 🤘🏻Jan 11, 2023
@grobmeier @troutgirl not a member, but big fan of the work, and very supportive of dropping the name and coming up with something that better reflects the organization. Maybe Natives in Tech have a suggested name, seems fitting they’d be given the honor of providing the new name.
Show threadChristian GrobmeierJan 11, 2023
@adron @troutgirl Interesting idea - but I hope for them to not jump into such a hornets nest and choose a new name for us :)
Show threadpatrick o'learyJan 11, 2023
@grobmeier hey Christian, I’ve seen this come up almost yearly for the past several years. Get discussed for a couple of weeks and nothing happens.
I’ve been an advocate for ASF for decades, but am now finding it less and less relevant, with the overhead simply being a hindrance vs improving the quality or viability of the software. And the communities slowly become more toxic
ASF is something that I think becomes irrelevant over the next 7-8 years without a rebirth
Show threadDan JonesJan 12, 2023

This is a really good idea.

A lot of people will say that this is too much effort. There are a lot of things connected to that name which would need to change, including one of the most popular web servers around.

That was my gut reaction. But honestly, it would be a lot of work, but it's worth the effort to show people the respect they deserve.

@grobmeier

Show threadBinyamin GreenJan 12, 2023

@grobmeier
I'm curious about this.

As a Jew, I wouldn't mind if somebody called their project "Maccabee". In fact, I'd be relieved! Finally, someone is honoring my heritage, instead of ignoring or insulting it. Especially if they live on my native land.

I don't think Jews are in a position to be meticulous when it comes to well-meaning folk who say or do the wrong thing.

So, I'm curious to know what the case is here.

Show threadStahlbrandtJan 12, 2023
@grobmeier yes, I recall the discussion has been going on for quite some time.
Important IMO for commenters here to read through the article prior commenting. Being sensitized about various culture’s as #techies is a good thing. Many names we pick for our creations can probably be rightly questioned by others. If one is selecting more “emotionally ladden” names to inspire, the objections can be stronger as well.
Show threadChristian GrobmeierJan 12, 2023
@stahlbrandt well said
Show threadLynn GrantJan 12, 2023
@grobmeier I was thinking today, how come whenever someone wants to “honor” a Native American tribe, they always talk about how they were “brave warriors”.? What about the ones that were good hunters, or good craftsmen, or good cooks, or just good family people who helped their kids grow up to be good adults. Doesn’t that count for something?
Show threadChristian GrobmeierJan 12, 2023
@lynngrant fully agreed. Thanks for this inspiring input. One cannot appropriate a culture by using a feather in logo since one only highlight one single aspect of said culture and make it a stereotype.