Tech Vendors, Repent!

Via Boing Boing Blog, the County of LA is not telling folks not to use the terms "Master" and "Slave" in their documents because it could be offensive. Snip:

The County of Los Angeles actively promotes and is committed to ensure a work environment that is free from any discriminatory influence be it actual or perceived.
As such, it is the County's expectation that our manufacturers, suppliers and
contractors make a concentrated effort to ensure that any equipment, supplies
or services that are provided to County departments do not possess or portray
an image that may be construed as offensive or defamatory in nature.

One such recent example included the manufacturer's labeling of equipment where the words ''Master/Slave'' appeared to identify the primary and secondary sources.
Based on the cultural diversity and sensitivity of Los Angeles County, this is not
an acceptable identification label.
We would request that each manufacturer, supplier and contractor review, identify
and remove/change any identification or labeling of equipment or components
thereof that could be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive in nature before
such equipment is sold or otherwise provided to any County department.

Does this mean you also can't refer to cable ends as "Male" and "Female". What the heck? Arnold, where are YOU on this issue?

Comments

[Frank Borger]

Watch all the automakers scramble to revise their parts descriptions and user manuals to remove the master and slave designation from brake and hydraulic clutch systems.

I only get my paycheck from California, thankfully I don't have to live there.

[Purr Kitty]

OK, so from now on, everyone use the terms
dom/sub instead. 90% of the population won't
even know what the terms mean anyway. And as
for the other 10% - well, if they complain,
then they've got some explaining to do as to
why they understand the terms. ;-)

And really no one can complain, since,
according to dictionary.com, someone who
is submissive is " *willing* to submit",
thus implying consent.