There is certainly an odd dynamic on the "nerdy" websites when it comes to promoting the under-represented gender.
That said, comments like yours (and mine) are only adding to that problem. I guess I'm a hypocrite.
There have been plenty comments here discussing the "why", and the gist of it is the concept of "under-represented".
Would they be afraid of a "Black Founders Conference"?
What about men tackling issues like work/life balance and getting connections to their families? A "Men as Parents" conference?
I am a long way away from San Francisco so I really have no idea what the ins and outs of the local culture are, but I see this same fear here. Not a nostalgia for old gender roles, but some sort of fear about being left out. It is changing, but has a long way to go.
Who cares? My point was more that "at least we're better than reddit" is tacky. I don't think either of us are likely to objective make an assessment here either way on "toxicity of a topic on HN vs reddit".
I suppose I disagree with you there, as someone who hasn't used this website super much (about a year maybe?)and has been using reddit for about 5 years, HN seems much better to me in providing a longer, more concerted discussion. I didn't realise it was a meme though.
But that's just a personal opinion.
aka. "HN herd mentality." It feels me with sadness when I see the same trend over and over. People who have different opinions on certain political/social matters are being silenced by this whole "community rejects" bullshit.
dead comments are not representative in general of HN since the downvotes/flags outnumber the upvotes/vouches.
"...look at this thread."
I am puzzled by some of the decisions. Whatever, up to the moderators how they moderate.
I am not sure how our comments are adding to the problem. We should not act as if there is no problem with prejudice and bigotry in society generally. Sexism and misogyny in technology in particular.