Merge pull request #30 from WeAllJS/feat/slackbot-language-rfc

feat: create rfc-slackbot-language-shorthands

Author: jenniferlynparsons

_pages/rfc-slackbot-language-shorthands.md

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+---
+layout: pageminimal
+title: "Slackbot Language Shorthands"
+permalink: /rfc-slackbot-language-shorthands
+---
+
+# Slackbot Language Shorthands
+
+[ratified 2016-10-01]
+{: text-italic}
+
+WeAllJS was originally created as an experiment in building inclusive, open, and valuable community. Its culture and commitment to
+keeping the slack friendly and accessible is one that its members would like to protect.
+
+## Gentle corrections
+
+The [enforcement process] for the slack's CoC is focused around being kind, and on accepting corrections and moving on peacefully. To this
+end, this RFC proposes the addition of slackbot commands. This would allow people who find careful wording of difficult topics in a time
+of stress difficult to raise concerns, and an agreed upon way of communicating the issues surrounding a particular word or phrase.
+
+## Initial Commands
+
+* `?crazy` - Words like "Insane" and "Crazy" are poor choices for a general-purpose intensifier in a Slack where so many people have faced
+mental health issues. How about "Shocking," "Incredible," "Ridiculous," or something thoughtful about the specific thing you're
+discussing?
+* `?mad` - Words like "Mad" are poor choices for a synonym for anger in a Slack where so many people have faced mental health issues. How
+about "Angry," "Furious," "Upset," or something thoughtful about the specific thing you're discussing? For historical context, "mad" is
+considered pejorative in the U.K. but often used as a synonym for angry in the U.S. (and seen as less charged). But given that WeAllJS is
+a global community, it's important to take note of the different valences a word can have and practice using terms that are widely
+inclusive.
+* `?guys` - The word "Guys", and other related gendered terms for a group of people are poor choices to refer to a group of people,
+especially a group as diverse as this slack. Try using "People", "Friends", "Folks", "Y'all", or just leave the word out entirely.
+* `?stupid` - Words like "Stupid", "Idiotic", "Dumb", and other terms relating to personal intelligence are a poor choice to describe the
+context in which something happened, due to their use around people with learning difficulties. How about "Ill-advised" or "Unwise", or a
+more detailed description of what happened? 
+* `?lame`  - Words like "lame" are a poor choice as a synonym for "boring" or "uninteresting."  This is an ableist term that implies that
+experiencing difficulty with mobility/walking is somehow inherently bad. Try using, "boring," uneventful," "tedious," or avoid the word
+altogether.
+* `?spaz` - The word "spaz" or the phrase "spazzing out," is used in English (UK, and the US, to a lesser extent) as an epithet, meaning,
+"to lose control of your actions, thoughts, or speech". It  is derived from the word "spastic," a now-obsolete medical term to refer to
+people with conditions affecting cognitive and motor function. Try instead to describe your situation in detail or avoid the use of this
+term altogether.
+
+## Adding New Commands
+
+To add a new command, or suggest an edit to the existing commands, join the `#meta` channel and make your suggestion!
+
+[enforcement process]: http://wealljs.org/enforcement