"We are all adults. Capable of having adult discussions."
How I wish this was true, but it's not. That's why we have code of conducts: because creepers don't realize that it's not okay to hit on every women they see, because bros don't realize gay isn't a synonym for bad, because gamergaters don't realize women can video games and so on. The sad truth is, there is a portion of our society that does not act in a mature and adult way, and they hurt others as a result.
As someone who plays life on easy mode[1] like I imagine most commenters here, it's hard to remember that most people play life on hard mode. Code of conducts are aimed at making hard mode a little better: hopefully by reminding people where the boundaries are, and for correcting problems when those boundaries are crossed. Are codes of conduct a perfect solution? No. But the response to lack of perfection shouldn't be to give up: it should be to try harder. Centuries of civilization has show us that ignoring problems don't make things better. We have to fight the good fight and force the world to be a better place.
How I wish this was true, but it's not. That's why we have code of conducts: because creepers don't realize that it's not okay to hit on every women they see, because bros don't realize gay isn't a synonym for bad, because gamergaters don't realize women can video games and so on. The sad truth is, there is a portion of our society that does not act in a mature and adult way, and they hurt others as a result.
As someone who plays life on easy mode[1] like I imagine most commenters here, it's hard to remember that most people play life on hard mode. Code of conducts are aimed at making hard mode a little better: hopefully by reminding people where the boundaries are, and for correcting problems when those boundaries are crossed. Are codes of conduct a perfect solution? No. But the response to lack of perfection shouldn't be to give up: it should be to try harder. Centuries of civilization has show us that ignoring problems don't make things better. We have to fight the good fight and force the world to be a better place.
[1] http://whatever.scalzi.com/2012/05/15/straight-white-male-th...