You have written
I strongly believe that when one draws such idiots into debate,
they stand exposed pretty soon, and that is a more proactive approach to
neutralising their pseudo-agenda
I wish, what you wrote were taking place !! But is it happening??
Debate is possible only if participants assume an intellectual
obligation to justify their opinions by standards that do not involve
matter(s) of high principle(s). When you are forced to logically explain
your point of view, it makes you analyze your own reasons and also helps
you see the other guy's side of the disagreement. But a reasoned
dialogue is impossible with a "fanatic", because he has cast-iron faith
and faith does not need facts. If a person believes that the Prophet
spoke for God and the Prophet said for everyone to do it THIS way, then
you're going to do it THIS way. If you refuse, the Prophet was pretty
clear how to deal with you. To him, "this is the way it is'"
In such circumstances, you are left with two options. Either rebuke in
rudest possible manner (which Aditya has been properly doing) *or*
completely disregard the zealot. The problem with first option is,
pacifist sympathizers rope in with the infamous, "intolerance of the
intolerant," argument and demand that others should observe "their"
taboos in the public domain. Drawback of second option (as you have
rightly pointed out) is, half truths and white lies floated by a
propagandist can seriously mislead some, or at least create self-doubt
in some.
A typical catch-22 situation, isn't it?.
Regards
Samir
--- In [email protected], "Salil" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi Samir,
While I agree with this rationale in general, there is one point that is missed here. Any mailing list on the net is set up with some common purpose - for example, creating a supportive community network for net-enabled gay people mostly from bombay.
When an "energy creature", like mr. messenger, who is obviously here for his jollies and not for serious debate, airs his hateful views, keeping completely quiet about them can signal tacit acceptance. Many of the readers never write themselves, but they do read, and not all read extensively about gay issues other than on this group, which means half truths and white lies floated by an "energy creature" can seriously mislead some, or at least create self-doubt. While I would agree on the need for reacting in moderation, I do not agree that letting patently controversial stuff pass unhindered is a good idea. In fact, I strongly believe that when one draws such idiots into debate, they stand exposed pretty soon, and that is a more proactive approach to neutralising their pseudo-agenda, than to sit around hoping they go away without spreading too many uncontested rumours or lies.
Regards, Salil
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