In a message dated 3/8/1999 5:09:48 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< I would like to voice my disgust for the personal attacks Nicole has waged
on Susan. We are hear to discuss/debate/disagree on topics, principles,
etc., not to attack each other personally. Susan's post was not mean and did
not justify such a mean response. Nicole, venting your hatred on this list
is not the way to highten awareness and/or solve any environmental, racial, or
feminist problem. >>
If you take that a person's words are personal, and since it is their words
being attacked, then yes it is always a personal attack. We are all personally
attacked - she brought up my grandmother, that is kind of personal. However,
we are all (or should be) adult enough to know it is an email list, and these
are words, we shouldn't be so afraid to speak directly. We can all play the
word game, and get across the same feelings using less direct words, but what
is the point?
Perhaps I felt her post was mean, but you didn't. We have a difference of
opinion and perspective - my feelings dictate my response, your feelings
dictate your response.
What hatred am I ventinng? If I hate someone, you won't have to look for
interpretation, I will say "I hate you". But what real meaning would it have
to susan? My view of her has absolutely not impact on her life - no more than
my opinions have any impact on her opinions. Why would she care if I hated her
or not? How does that affect her life? What, will I bomb her house? Hunt her
down and batter her? No, I won't, wouldn't even be something I would consider
doing. Did I threaten to do anything to her? Have I formed any organizations
to burn a NOW poster on her lawn - to drag her behind a car? So where is the
hate?
I am discussing, perhaps with a bit too much feeling and directness for your
tastes, but I am certainly not feeling that I will heighten awareness or solve
racial/feminist problems on this list. How would I presume to remake - in any
way - the lives and minds of the women (and men) on this list? How could I
think that these people have already had lots of life experiences and made
their own decisions about what they think and believe, or don't think and
don't believe? Isn't that suggestive of a bit too much power that I would
change them?
I am simply saying what I feel, what I agree or disagree with - not trying to
win any converts or remake any minds.
Nicole
