Creating Inclusive Terminology in Technology
By Nick Mason & Joe Prespare
Valassis Engineer and Designer Nick Mason knows firsthand of the effects of words. Tech pros have long used the words whitelist/blacklist for software and master/slave for hardware. As a youngster, Nick and his dad built a desktop computer. “It immediately struck me as wrong, for obvious reasons, but was especially surprising because […] slavery is a fundamental act of violence against another person’s humanity,” said Mason. “To see a term so incongruent being used was jarring and disheartening.” Currently, Valassis Engineering is looking at the use of this language as well as how they’ll replace the terms with words like allowlist, blocklist, source, and replica.
To Mason, Director of Product Design and UX for Valassis, the move away from these words comes at a time where many Americans are paying close attention to current language and switching to vernacular that rejects racism and is inclusive instead.
“Computer science, software, and technology as a field at large have not always been inclusive. Terminology used in the space was determined in an era where there weren’t diverse voices in the room to contribute as decisions were made. As a result, it’s much easier to make a decision that’s not considered or as inclusive as possible, simply because of blind spots that go unacknowledged.” Mason shares.
Mason adds “It’s important to consider the framing above and understand that just because a term is in use, and has been for some period, that the term isn’t absolved from the harm it conveys.”
The most important rationale for changing the terminology now lies in the concept of equity. “If we have prioritized equity as an organizational value, then we have a collective responsibility to make sure that we’re living up to that standard,” Mason said. “By doing this, it means that when [we’re] recruiting we can share with potential teammates the proof positive that we hold each other accountable.”
“It means that when we go to market, we show our clients and partners what we stand for. It demonstrates we are amenable to positive change, and that we believe that embracing that change can help to underscore our company’s mission,” Mason shared.
It’s heartening to see that there’s an active desire on many fronts to address some longstanding blind spots in vernacular.
