Apache Software Foundation cofounder Brian Behlendorf supports changing the name

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3 points·wcameron··6 comments

Why?

Is there a single member of the Apache tribe that takes offense to the name, or is this needless virtue-seeking behavior? Last I heard, tribes actually voiced enthusiasm for the Army's habit of assigning tribal names to helicopters, especially the thoroughly badass AH-64 Apache.

>Why?

Because they’re not Apache.

What other software project is named after a nationality or ethnicity? I don’t see any difference between sports mascots and software mascots: https://www.ncai.org/proudtobe

And so what? Apache tribes/bands have been in favor of the Army's naming of the premier attack helicopter in the world.

Is there some suggestion that anyone is taking offense, or is this just an effort to demonstrate Wokeness?

Native people have pushed back against ASF’s appropriation for decades, but it’s always been shoved under the rug. As a kid when I first heard about the “Apache” server I felt othered by the name. Since then it’s really seeped into the background of tech but the ugliness of it is still there. I’ve heard from many other Native people who are offended by the name and branding, in general it’s pretty easy to see the settler entitlement involved in mascots and appropriation.

I’ve compiled a bunch of resources about this topic on https://www.endasfmascotry.com/ if you’re interested.

> I felt othered by the name

I apologize. I didn't know some people took offense.

That said, I still don't think Apache should change its name. Change the name, lose identity. Then again, maybe its time has come (nginx)?

Software Graveyard would be good name. The resting place for almost abandoned projects.

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