Re: Pies in the face

From: Charlie Stross (charlie@antipope.org)
Date: Fri Feb 09 2001 - 09:01:25 MST


On Fri, Feb 09, 2001 at 06:48:59AM -0800, Brian D Williams wrote:
>
> It's a matter of cultural relativism. In this country such an act
> would probably be viewed as an unprovoked assault, and whatever you
> suffered as a result would be seen as your own fault.

Then it probably *is* a cultural thing. Over here, reacting violently
would be a big no-no. (In fact, if you did so, you might end up being
charged with assault.) That's not to say that the pie-caster would
necessarily get away free -- but there's the proportionality thing
again.

I notice that Americans seem to be fanatical about defending their
property -- to the use of lethal force. My take on it is that *no*
property is worth risking your life -- or anyone else's life, for
that matter. Lost or stolen property can be replaced: lives can't.
Another cultural marker ...

-- Charlie



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