A Fresh Look at Our Cloud-Native Language

Started by Ali Alp

In the cloud-native and DevOps communities, we love a good analogy to make complex concepts accessible. But one of the most widely used metaphors—"cattle vs. pets"—could use a refresh. By comparing scalable, disposable resources to cattle and carefully managed systems to pets, we unintentionally endorse a view that values some lives over others.

That’s why I’m starting a petition to encourage our community to adopt a kinder, more relevant metaphor: "cups vs. mugs." Read on to understand why this shift matters and how it enhances our discussions while remaining effective and easy to grasp.

👉 Sign the Petition: No More "Cattle vs. Pets" – Let's Use "Cups vs. Mugs"! 👈

Why Move Away from "Cattle vs. Pets"?

1. Outdated and Insensitive Language

The "cattle vs. pets" analogy implicitly suggests that cattle are expendable because they’re consumable. In reality, all animals have intrinsic value, and our language should reflect that respect. We’re in a time where ethical considerations are growing in all aspects of life and work. Let's use metaphors that mirror a kinder, more conscious perspective.

2. An Accessible and Relatable Alternative

Switching to "cups vs. mugs" maintains the distinctions we need for cloud-native discussions: disposable vs. stateful resources. Disposable cups represent scalable, stateless resources that are easily replaced, while mugs represent stateful, reusable resources that require care and maintenance. This analogy aligns perfectly with modern cloud-native concepts.

Why "Cups vs. Mugs" is a Better Analogy

1. Humane and Respectful Language

Using "cups vs. mugs" allows us to discuss technical concepts without diminishing the worth of animals by reducing them to objects. Everyday items like cups and mugs are much more relatable in modern life and serve as a clear bridge for understanding cloud-native principles.

2. Clear and Accessible

Everyone knows the difference between a disposable cup and a favorite mug. The cup embodies scalable, disposable infrastructure, while the mug symbolizes persistent, maintained services. This shift makes our language accessible to everyone, regardless of background, and communicates technical concepts with clarity.

3. Ethically Mindful

Transitioning from "cattle vs. pets" to "cups vs. mugs" lets us talk about important cloud-native ideas without reinforcing hierarchies that undervalue animals. Let’s evolve our metaphors to reflect a more mindful approach that considers all forms of life.

Call to Action: Let's Shift to "Cups vs. Mugs"!

Words are powerful and shape how we think about and interact with the world. By retiring "cattle vs. pets" in favor of "cups vs. mugs," we show a commitment to compassion and clarity that’s in line with modern values. Let’s start using metaphors that respect all life while staying relevant to our tech landscape.

Join us in calling for this change by signing the petition: No More "Cattle vs. Pets" – Let's Use "Cups vs. Mugs"!

This change is more than just semantics—it’s a reflection of our community’s values and progress. Let’s lead by example and make the cloud-native world a bit kinder, one metaphor at a time.