From: Jeff Davis (jrd1415@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Jul 26 2003 - 01:32:03 MDT
Brett Patsch wrote:
> There are some very important and worthwhile issues
behind the screens of political correctness and even
intelligent people need to be able to make a mistake
occasionally if those issues are to be explored and
solutions illuminated.
...
> I think a line is crossed when people can't tell the
difference between an abstract discussion and concrete
actions. I thought Robert was trying to have an
abstract discussion on an important issue.
-------------------------------
Discussing taboo or politically incorrect subjects is
difficult. Sometimes it's hard to be dispassionate,
particularly if someone is perceived (or misperceived)
as actually advocating something over-the-top
offensive.
If one wants to discuss a topic which is 'difficult',
then precautions need to be taken to avoid having the
whole thing blow up in your face.
Personally, I think taking on a taboo subject is a
worthwhile challenge. Exciting even. The taboo
subject is by its nature not much explored, so there's
novelty and low hanging fruit. And there are
discoveries to be made about the nature of taboo,
which I think you will find is more about people than
about whatever 'other' topic. It's like bunji
jumping, or the firewalking thing of a few years back.
It not mind over matter, or some shamanic magic, but
rather will over mind, or will over reptilian mind.
And when you go there you're in for a steep learning
curve, and some exhilaration.
Anyway, a discussion list is exactly the place for
sensitive topics. If that's your intent, you might
warn your fellows to buckle up for a possibly bumpy
ride. Or, if you see that you've caught someone by
surprise, you can take a moment to help them regain
their composure by reminding them that "No need to get
upset. We're just TALKING here." At the same time, if
you're a listener who gets surprised by something
emotionally jarring, well, you can take that deep
breath all on your own, and remind yourself of the
difference between discussion, and "sticks and
stones".
Finally, these problems are obviated, as well as the
possibility that some random visitor might get the
wrong impression about ExI, if you just have a "place
out back" for "special" topics. Then, if you go
there, you know ahead of time to steel yourself.
Best, Jeff Davis
"Everything's hard till you know how to do it."
Ray Charles
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