I couldn't agree more. I've been watching this shift in acceptable standards in America move from intent to perception with considerable consternation. It seems that an absence of malintent in language is no longer sufficient defense. If one perceives the language as offensive, it is. This is an absurd standard because with a sufficient audience size, someone will find something offensive. This standard is a de facto end to all discussion. It only takes one hyper sensitive audience member (legitimate or troll) to shut down all discussion.
This is not a sustainable strategy for society. It is of course impossible for algorithms to parse perceived intent by the lowest common denominator, and attempting to do so is nothing more than defensive legal posturing.
This is not a sustainable strategy for society. It is of course impossible for algorithms to parse perceived intent by the lowest common denominator, and attempting to do so is nothing more than defensive legal posturing.