RE: free speech on the extrope list

From: Lee Corbin (lcorbin@tsoft.com)
Date: Sat Jul 26 2003 - 21:08:47 MDT

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    Jeff Davis writes

    > Brett Paatsch 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.
    >
    > 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.
    > ...
    > 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.

    How very true!

    > Anyway, a discussion list is exactly the place for
    > sensitive topics.

    Yes.

    > If that's your intent, you might warn your fellows
    > to buckle up for a possibly bumpy ride.

    It's *so* annoying that this should be necessary here,
    but I have to admit that you have been proven right.
    From now on, everyone, load on the disclaimers, or
    else expect the predictable consequences.

    > 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."

    It is sickening to have to add stuff like that,
    but again, I guess you are right.

    The older I get the more and more qualified my
    phrases are, and the less and less heat I get
    for my remarks. Soon, at this rate, I'll be
    completely toothless.

    Lee



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