SJW
From Bradely Kuhn back in December:
If you follow the types of Free Software politics and issues that I do (which you probably do if you read my blog) you have heard the phrase — which has become globally common in general politics — “Social Justice Warrior”, often abbreviated SJW. As anyone who reads my blog probably already knows, SJW is used as a derogatory catch-all phrase referring to anyone who speaks up to on any cause, but particularly on racial or gender inequality.
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First of all, I believe deeply in social justice causes. I care about equality, fairness, and justice for everyone. I believe software freedom is a social justice cause, and I personally have proudly called software freedom a social justice cause for more than a decade.
Second, I also believe in the zealous pursuit of causes that matter. I’ve believed fully and completely in non-violence since the mid-1980s, but I nevertheless believe there is a constant war of words in the politics surrounding any cause or issue, including software freedom. I am, therefore — for lack of a better word — a warrior, in those politics.
So, when I look at the three words on their face: Social. Justice. Warrior. Well, denotively, it describes my lifelong work exactly.
In my experience, I see the “SJW” phrase thrown around the most by people who also see themselves as an activist for free software. I applaud Bradley using his position of influence to call out that this activisim is a call for social justice.
For some reason, it reminds me of George Carlin’s bit on your stuff, their shit: you are an activist, they’re a SJW.
@erikostrom pointed out this amazing piece by Joseph Scrimshaw: The Worst Insult Ever.
I am Brandon Keepers, and I work at