Merge pull request #237 from w3c/issue-232

wareid · web-flow · commit 3a49f66ff352 · 2023-04-25T10:42:49.000-04:00
Patronizing Language (Issue 232)
diff --git a/index.html b/index.html
@@ -325,41 +325,30 @@ <h3 id="unacceptablebehavior">
           <li>Use of coded language (also known as "dog whistles") used to
           rally support for hate groups or to intimidate vulnerable groups.
           </li>
+          <li><a>Patronizing</a> language or behavior:
+            <ul>
+              <li>Intentionally or unintentionally making assumptions about the skills or knowledge of others, such as using language that implies the audience is uninformed on a topic (e.g. interjections like "I can't believe you don't know about [topic]").
+              </li>
+              <li>Assuming that particular groups of people are technically unskilled due to their characteristics (e.g., “So easy your grandmother could do it”, which implies an older woman might not be technically competent).
+              </li>
+              <li>Interrupting or repeatedly commenting in conversations with unneccessary clarifications or comments on audience behaviour (e.g. "I don't think you understood my previous comment...", grammar or language corrections that were not invited).</li>
+            </ul>
+          </li>
           <li>Microaggressions, which are small comments or questions, either
           intentional or unintentional, that marginalize people by
           communicating hostile, derogatory, or negative beliefs. Examples
           include:
             <ul>
-              <li>Patronizing language or behavior:
-                <ul>
-                  <li>Be aware that, regardless of the speaker's intentions,
-                  some phrases or constructions lead people to expect a
-                  patronizing statement to follow, and avoid such phrases. For
-                  example, beginning an interjection with "Well, actually..."
-                  can set this expectation and be taken as a sign of
-                  disrespect.
-                  </li>
-                  <li>Assuming without asking that particular people or groups
-                  need concepts defined or explained to them. It’s great to be
-                  sensitive to the fact that people may not be familiar with
-                  technical terms you use every day, but assuming that people
-                  are uninformed can come across as patronizing.
-                  </li>
-                  <li>Assuming that particular groups of people are technically
-                  unskilled (e.g., “So easy your grandmother could do it”).
-                  </li>
-                </ul>
-              </li>
               <li>Repeatedly interrupting or talking over someone else.
               </li>
               <li>Feigning surprise at someone’s lack of knowledge or awareness
               about a topic.
               </li>
               <li>The use of racially charged language to describe an
-              individual or thing (such as “thug” or “ghetto”).
+              individual or thing.
               </li>
               <li>Referring to an individual in a way that <a>demeans</a> or
-              challenges the validity of their racial identity.
+              challenges the validity of any part of their identity.
               </li>
               <li>Mocking someone’s real or perceived accent or first language.
               </li>
@@ -763,6 +752,14 @@ <h2>
             </li>
           </ul>
         </dd>
+        <dt>
+          <dfn>Patronizing</dfn>
+        </dt>
+        <dd>
+          <p>
+            Language or behaviour that may appear kind or helpful but conveys a feeling of superiority or condescension.
+          </p>
+        </dd>
         <dt>
           <dfn>Prejudice</dfn>
         </dt>
