Trauma-Informed Documentation: Taking empathy and inclusive language to the next level¶
Description
In the software industry, welcoming and empathetic communities don't form by accident—it takes intention, effort, and commitment. Our Write the Docs community is special today because this has been a priority since the first conference 10 years ago. Inclusive language is one of the tools we use to nurture this environment, but it's often misunderstood (and sometimes disparaged) as a list of rules to memorize just to avoid offending anyone. How can we improve this approach?
Trauma is complex, but can be succinctly described as a lasting emotional response to distressing events one has lived through. By examining empathy and inclusive language through the lens of trauma, we can:
- identify and evaluate potentially problematic language in advance
- understand how and why problematic language may negatively affect people
- advocate for inclusive language, even against resistance
Trauma is far more widespread than we might first imagine, but we can avoid the dynamics that may bring those emotional responses back to the forefront. The words we choose genuinely matter.
NOTE: Trauma is a heavy subject to examine. Content warnings will be provided both at the beginning of the talk and immediately prior to each slide they are relevant to. Please prioritize your well-being.
- Conference: Write the Docs Portland
- Year: 2023
