> [...] why do so many people here immediately snap into backlash mode without considering the possibility that this could actually be an existing pay bias?
<sarcasm>
Because sexism and bigotry are properties of evil, despicable people, who aren't anything like us.
We're cool progressive techno-optimists. We're so smart we couldn't possibly be bigoted. We're the new establishment.
Among my colleagues, I'm that one guy who, in his private life, is friends with "regular" people, who chooses to live in a rural area and who speaks with his native hillbilly accent.
I'm aware that everybody has biases and preconceptions. I was taught to be aware of mine, which I think I am (and boy, they're something). But nonetheless, the dismissive tone of (some parts of) the conversation disappointed me and I think, given the standards to which HN holds itself, rightfully so.
I don't think that this is aimed at you. JabavuAdams suggests that "I couldn't possibly be sexist because I'm not a bad person" is the reason that many commenters are dismissive of the idea that there may be sexism in an establishment to which they contribute.
<sarcasm>
Because sexism and bigotry are properties of evil, despicable people, who aren't anything like us.
We're cool progressive techno-optimists. We're so smart we couldn't possibly be bigoted. We're the new establishment.
</sarcasm>