Racist Terminology Plagues Computing and BDSM Languages

Controversy surrounds the use of “slave” and “master” in both communities.

While your typical user may not be aware of them, racially insensitive terms such as “master” and “slave” are still used to describe various computer systems.

However, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the group that establishes and upholds technical standards for the internet, recommended that words like master and slave be replaced by newer, more respectful terminology.

This suggestion reflects a growing belief that Romantic languages carry a great deal of inherent racism and sexism.

And this problem is not localized to computer engineering, as racist words exist in other places as well—including its continuing presence in the BDSM community.

Exposing offensive computer terms

Spurred by calls for racial justice and challenges to hateful symbols and language, the computer industry has begun examining terminology like “slave” and “master.”

In response to this, the IETF released their “Statement On Oppressive or Exclusionary Language.” In the statement, the force acknowledged their own use of offensive words in their documents and asked for proposals on how to update these and other terms.

As a result, three groups each submitted separate proposals. In March, the IETF established a group with the explicit goal to examine each proposal and reach a consensus on the issue by the end of 2021.

If accomplished, this would be a major step towards greater inclusivity and awareness in the industry.

Sex, language, and BDSM

There’s another place where offensive words like “master” and “slave” are used—BDSM. These terms are so prominent that they are almost inextricably intertwined with how those involved see themselves and others.

The BDSM community is plagued by this issue, and it’s going to require a lot of thought, and even more work, to move beyond it.

In my opinion, as a long-time member of the BDSM community, reluctance seems to stem from the idea that these terms are traditional.

For many, words like “slave” and “master” are ingrained in BDSM history. They believe that replacing the terms with more socially-conscious options would disrespect the members who fought for the right to express their sexuality.

There’s also the issue of ideology: some believe that these words encapsulate a power exchange dynamic as no other words can.

Again, this is from my own experience and is a radically simplified view of a complex situation.

I’m not about to say that the community must change, as that would be a consent violation, which is what conscientious and responsible BDSM is all about.

And yet, the language remains and refusing to change it becomes more unforgivable as time goes on.

The power of open dialogues

The IETF and their recognition of racist language in the computer industry may offer a possible solution for the BDSM community. Group consensus may be the best way to make significant change, and to make sure it’s widely accepted and supported.

In this spirit, I’d like to propose that the BDSM community open a dialogue about this issue to educate people about why terms like master and slave are offensive and, from there, what words might replace them.

I believe this idea will be met with great reluctance, to put it mildly, but there’s consent on the line: not only in not trying to force people to change the words they use but that the use of racist words—without permission—is a violation of it.

Looking ahead

In gaining awareness of how inherently racist, sexist, and offensive language is, humanity will hopefully realize the importance of leaving terms like “master” and “slave” behind us.

Words to possibly replace them, in whatever way they’re used, are a matter of discussion.

No matter what they’ll be, the takeaway should be to expand our awareness and our vocabulary. 

Image sources: Norlando Pobre, John Lucia, Cliff James, Kathy Drasky