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Microsoft Apologizes For Inserting Naughty Phrase Into Linux Kernel
netbuzz writes "Microsoft has apologized and promised to rectify the fact that one of its developers slipped a sexist phrase into Linux kernel code supporting Microsoft's HyperV virtualization environment. In that code, the magic constant passed through to the hypervisor reads '0xB16B00B5,' or a slightly camouflaged 'BIG BOOBS.' After Linux developer/blogger Matthew Garrett criticized Microsoft for the stunt, the predictable debate over sexism in the technology world ensued. Microsoft issued a statement to Network World apologizing and added, 'We have submitted a patch to fix this issue and the change will be published in a future release of the kernel.'"
What I find so depressing is how far down I had to look in this thread of posts before I found an intelligent reply to the issue at hand. Folks like to pretend like it was just a harmless joke, and then they sit around and scratch their heads wondering why more women aren't in IT fields when there's such a constant stream of juvenile hostility towards them.
I'm a male, but to me, it's just a matter of respect for other people. Some people have it, but as this shows, there are still a lot of people who don't. It's one thing when you're sitting around with your buddies and someone makes an off-color remark. It's an entirely different level of stupidity when you try to propagate your idiot joke publicly.
This probably sounds harsh, but if I were Microsoft, I'd try to find the guy who did it and fire him. Some might argue this is an overreaction, but to me, it would be a matter of company image. I'd want to make it crystal clear that these kinds of shenanigans are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Her point of view is to stamp on freedom of speech.