Michael Atherton states:
"As for theories of evolutionary basis for rape, I think
that the case is overstated.� If given the opportunity,
some men will participate in forced intercourse, but many,
if not most, will not.� Very few men are predatory rapists.�
I also think that the rape statistics are artificially inflated
by miscatorization, giving the impression that rape is
more prevalent than it is.� Statistical misrepresentation
has been a part of the Feminist campaign to force changes
in rules of evidence and rape statues.� I think that
this is especially true in Minneapolis."
It would seem that in the University of Minnesota Departments of Psychology
and Educational Psychology, evolutionary theory can be optional or even
irrelevant to the work done. I went to a symposium a few years back on the East
Bank
titled "Mind and Emotion" in which one professor presented what was basically
a diatribe against any who would suggest an evolutionary basis for behavior;
specifically, it rings in my head still, she said "biology has no place in the
study of psychology." Of course, she was the only one who said anything like
that, was of a certain age, and was quite possibly drunk, or was quite
emotional at any rate. I find that, perhaps in the guise of political
correctness, the
role of evolution in forming behavior may be deemphasized in these
departments and perhaps others on the Minneapolis U of M campus; they don't
seem to have
a problem with it in St. Paul (ahh, St. Paul).
Atherton can say the case is overstated for rape as an evolutionary
adaptation or the direct result of another such adaptation for mating as the
book that
I cited describes, but given my experience of his department I would discount
it when he does. That's what I "think," "believe," and it's pretty much my
"opinion." I can't argue with any authority on how feminists handle statisics
and
leave that to him, a former feminist and a statistian, I "think." Rhetoric,
jargon, semantics aside; rape is not a nice subject or experience, but I still
think a complete understanding of it is important in determining ways to deal
with all it's forms. Even if it were "all about power" as the majority of
folks here emphasize, what does that mean, anyway? Are we talking about
asserting
dominance in a social group when we say it is about "power?" Doesn't that have
an evolutionary basis too?
Sorry for dragging this on and for my tenuous link to Minneapolis through the
U to satisfy the list topic concerns. Haven't we done enough on this thread?
I feel violated somehow.
Bill Kahn
Prospect Park
REMINDERS:
1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If
you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL
PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html
For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract
________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn
E-Democracy
Post messages to: mailto:[email protected]
Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
