A new Type of Mastodon Signup that gives people a sense of Agency
A new Type of Mastodon Signup that gives people a sense of Agency
TL;DR: The current Mastodon-signup is only removing the confusion of users on first glance, because it either hides the server-choice altogether, or leaves them with a choice that is impossible to …
TL;DR: The current Mastodon-signup is only removing the confusion of users on first glance, because it either hides the server-choice altogether, or leaves them with a choice that is impossible to make at this point of their Mastodon-journey. Instead, it should introduce them to decentrality on a lower scale, with a handful of handpicked servers to choose from, such that the decision makes sense to them and shows them the merits and fun of the concept instead of scaring them away. Ideal would be to give them a sense of agency. Then, chances are higher that they consider migrating again in the future and eventually internalize it as a permanent option of the digital world.
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Bad example, given that Hogwarts-house-in-bio is a reliable transphobic dog whistle, and transphobia is very much unacceptable in the fediverse.
Is it really? Can someone not just like the potter series and either disagree with or ignore the politics of the author?
Given how strident the author has been about her views, and that she is still a living person, earning royalties and materially contributing to anti-transgender causes, proclaiming oneself a fan of these books is as least saying that the author’s anti-transgender activism is not a dealbreaker. Making part of one’s identity an aspect of the books’ universe is even more so, to the point where there’s a correlation between people proclaiming their Hogwarts house in their bio and expressing anti-trans views. (TERF/“gender critical” activists having suddenly discovered that they were Slitherpuffs or whatever a few years ago, despite not having expressed any interest in YA fantasy novels before Rowling’s statements, is an observed phenomenon, to the point where such a statement in one’s bio is more likely than not to serve as a feeler for scouting out fellow anti-trans sympathisers.)
You can of course add it to your bio if you're a fan, but you might want to be aware that it will increasingly not be interpreted innocently.
More reading here:
Please consider how many (not all) trans individuals, out or not, might see your posts and excitement about Harry Potter and view them as a red flag, an implicit sign that you value Rowling’s work over trans lives, and question whether or not you’re a safe person for them connect with.
I’m dismayed by Rowling’s too-real controversies but have a deep affection for the imaginary universe she gave the world.
It’s good to know this, that at a minimum disclaimers are critical forever more it seems.
Thanks for the perspective. I'm not a member of the community (or much of a potter fan, other than enjoying the movies as a kid. Nostalgia) so it's probably a lot easier for me to separate author from work.
It just concerned me that people would be unintentionally flagging themselves as an adversary. The generalisation also seemed unfair and alienating in the same way many marginalised groups are. I do understand though that one side is something you enjoy and the other is something you are.
It just concerned me that people would be unintentionally flagging themselves as an adversary.
Agreed. Wonder if it’s worth pinning a post in the HP subLemming about it / rejecting anti-transism.