How do we stop the persecution of this generations greatest inventors when those inventors try to pursue a utopia through technology?
(I made sure to use the term in the description though, because I believe we really need to change the connotations of that term for the general public.)
Later, some high school students who attended our hackathon decided to organize a similar event at their high school. They used the term "hack" in the title because that was how they could best attract other students. This was against the desires of their teachers, most of whom argued against using that term. Their event was a success and hopefully they've changed the way their high school views the word "hack."
Or, maybe there just needs to be a character on "The Big Bang Theory" who is a hacker. Hollywood has a funny way of changing perceptions sometimes.
If there is one thing in this life that I am certain of, its that programmers are NEVER going to take back the term "hacker."
We as programmers find ourselves in the unfortunate situation of being right about something that the entire world doesn't give a shit about. As long as mainstream media keeps making money off of selling fear and hysteria, you will not make even the slightest amount of progress.
I sincerely hope that you will prove me wrong.
Anyone trying to make profound change must be willing to endure the consequences.
Nelson Mandela spent almost thirty years in prison before he dismantled Apartheid in South Africa.
If people stopped thinking of most bottom tier blackhats as wizards and more as thieves who've figured out how to copy a banking sites web page, the world would be a better place.
My favorite Designers Republic poster sums this up rather nicely: http://i.imgur.com/W1Egh.jpg