> I believe it's a holdover from a time when it was entirely acceptable to be dismissive of half the race.
Ironically, when it was entirely acceptable to be dismissive of half the race, separate words were used - explicitly calling out a difference between groups. 'Guys' as a gender neutral term is a relatively recent phenomenon, and in many ways is an equalizing term.
> As such, it's probably appropriate to be at least a little sensitive to the topic
Alternatively you could argue that it's appropriate not to be over-sensitive to common, and innocent, language usage.
> but I see no reason to think the diversity of background has any impact on technical contributions
Exactly this. The internet is the great equalizer. There is no need for anyone to know anything about me unless I choose to bring it up.
For a technical project, conducted and run over the internet, my work can stand entirely on its merits in a way that would not be possible in a regular office environment.
Don’t just aim to be technically unimpeachable, try to be your best self. In particular, avoid flirting with offensive or sensitive issues, particularly if they’re off-topic; this all too often leads to unnecessary fights, hurt feelings, and damaged trust; worse, it can drive people away from the community entirely.
You've brought up something off-topic (and potentially sensitive) when there was no real need, and definitely no ill-intent in the original - and just like the code of conduct predicted, it's already starting to develop in to unnecessary bickering.
This sort of language policing is exactly the type of thing that can drive people away from a community - and was not really necessary in the original context.
As per the Rust Code of Conduct the correct response would have been:
if someone takes issue with something you said or did, resist the urge to be defensive. Just stop doing what it was they complained about and apologize
Now, before you go on to defend yourself, the CoC further states:
Even if you feel you were misinterpreted or unfairly accused, chances are good there was something you could’ve communicated better
And that's something worth considering.
Now, I know that the Rust Code of Conduct states that it is only enforced on official Rust venues, and so there is no expectation of you following it here on HN, but as a respected member of the Rust community I would hope it was something you would still follow in a public forum, out of respect for what it stands for.