Newsweek reports that Google Calendar has stopped automatically displaying certain US cultural events like Pride Month, Black History Month, and Holocaust Remembrance Day in the main calendar view for some users. While these events are still accessible within other calendar layers, like the "Interesting Calendars" section, the change has sparked concern and frustration among users who relied on the prominent reminders. Google has not officially commented on the reason for the removal or whether it is a temporary glitch or a permanent change.
In a development that has sparked discussion and raised eyebrows, Google Calendar has seemingly ceased automatically displaying prominent cultural and historical commemorations, including Holocaust Remembrance Day, Pride Month, and Black History Month, within its interface for some users. Previously, these significant observances were automatically integrated into the calendar view for many individuals, providing visual reminders and fostering awareness of these important periods. The apparent removal of these integrated calendar entries has left some users perplexed and questioning the rationale behind the change. This alteration to the established user experience affects the visibility of these occasions within the Google Calendar application. It should be noted that while the events themselves have not been erased from history, the convenient and prominent display within the digital calendar platform has reportedly been discontinued for some users, potentially impacting the extent to which these commemorations are readily observed and remembered by those accustomed to the previous functionality. The change signifies a shift in how these culturally significant events are presented within the Google Calendar ecosystem, prompting inquiries about the motivations driving this modification to the user interface and its potential implications for user engagement with these important historical and cultural observances. While users retain the ability to manually add these events to their calendars, the absence of automated integration removes a layer of effortless visibility that previously existed. The precise extent of this change and the specific user groups affected remains a subject of ongoing observation and analysis.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43019572
HN commenters were largely skeptical of the Newsweek article, pointing out that the events still appeared on their calendars and suggesting user error or a temporary glitch as more likely explanations than intentional removal. Several suggested checking calendar settings, specifically "Browse interesting calendars" under "Other calendars," to ensure the specialized calendars are enabled. Some questioned Newsweek's journalistic integrity and the sensationalist framing of the headline. A few commenters expressed general frustration with Google's frequent, unannounced changes to their products and services. There was also discussion about the effectiveness and potential annoyance of these awareness calendars, with some finding them useful reminders while others viewing them as intrusive or performative.
The Hacker News post discussing the Newsweek article "Google removes Pride Month, Black History and Holocaust Remembrance from calendar" has generated a substantial discussion with a variety of viewpoints.
Many commenters express skepticism about Newsweek's reporting and the framing of the "removal." Several suggest that these calendar entries were likely opt-in features that users may have inadvertently disabled or that were never enabled in the first place. They point out that Google still prominently features these events through other avenues like Search and Doodles, arguing that the Newsweek article implies a level of intentional suppression that is unlikely. Some users report still seeing these events on their calendars, further bolstering the theory that this isn't a widespread removal.
A recurring theme in the comments is the perceived decline in quality of Newsweek's journalism. Commenters express disappointment with what they see as sensationalist reporting and a lack of rigorous fact-checking. Some recall Newsweek's more reputable past, contrasting it with its current state.
Several commenters discuss the broader context of corporate activism and "performative allyship." They question the genuine commitment of companies like Google to these social causes, suggesting that these calendar entries might have been superficial gestures rather than meaningful actions. Some argue that focusing on such symbolic displays distracts from more substantive efforts to address systemic inequalities.
A few commenters offer alternative explanations for the alleged removal. One suggests it could be a technical glitch or a temporary issue. Another proposes that it might be related to user personalization settings or A/B testing different calendar features.
There is also discussion about the role of algorithms and personalization in shaping the information users see online. Some express concern that algorithmic filtering can create echo chambers and limit exposure to diverse perspectives.
Finally, some commenters share personal anecdotes about their experiences with Google Calendar and its features, offering firsthand accounts that sometimes contradict the claims made in the Newsweek article. For example, one user mentions using a dedicated calendar for tracking specific events like Pride Month, suggesting that the default calendar might not be the primary way users engage with these commemorations.