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