{
  "id": 8894779,
  "title": "Justice for CSS",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/justice-for-css",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-21T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Wired",
    "slug": "wired",
    "url": "https://www.wired.com/story/justice-for-css/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "CSS, a style sheet language, is often dismissed as a mere decorative tool rather than a legitimate programming language. Despite its simplicity—anyone can quickly understand \"background: red\"—it has evolved significantly since its initial specification in 1996. Today, there are at least 10 times more properties than in its early days, making it capable of creating complex designs like 3D-rendering engines or even recreating video games. Notable programmers, such as Cassidy Williams, have built entire databases in CSS, yet the creator Håkon Wium Lie remains relatively unrecognized compared to the creators of JavaScript and HTML. The language's \"feminine\" stigma, rooted in the perception that styling is \"Female Work,\" contributes to its undervaluation. This attitude affects programmer salaries, sought skills, and job interviews, as well as website accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Despite this, CSS has been used to create unique aesthetics, such as the Claudeslop style, and even attract non-traditional programmers to the field. However, the dominance of frameworks and lack of diversity in the industry highlights the need for greater appreciation and recognition of CSS.",
  "summary": "In defense of the girliest programming language.",
  "key_points": [
    "CSS once dismissed as decorative tool",
    "10 times more properties than 1996 spec",
    "Feminine stigma affects CSS recognition"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Wired Business",
        "title": "Justice for CSS",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/justice-for-css-8900799",
        "published": "2026-09-21T10:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}