----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, August 03, 1999 8:37
PM
Subject: Re: [recoznet2] language and
culture
Lance,
I think Ian got it right when he said that you keep shifting
the goal-posts of the conversation thus making it almost impossible to get
anywhere. I'd put it a bit more strongly and say that you're simply not
making sense. For example, you complain that to want to change the name
of a stadium called 'nigger' is to be "politically correct". Then you
say (below) that "People use words to dominate others plain and
simple." That is exactly why some people want to change the name;
because to use words like 'nigger' is to exercise a form of power, to create
an environment where some people are put down and kept down. The people
who want to change the name of the stadium have recognised exactly what you
have noticed - that language can be a form of power. That's why some
people object to being called 'sheila' or 'fat' or 'nigger' - its a form of
domination, of keeping people down. You demand respect from
people but you get upset when they demand your respect by not being
called 'sheila' and simply accuse them of being politically
correct'. So if someone accuses you (or your gender) of something, you
accuse them of blaming you for everything. But if someone else feels you
are putting them down by calling them 'sheila' (or whatever), you dismiss them
as 'politically correct'. If you can't see the contradiction in what
you're saying, then you're simply not thinking about the issues hard
enough.
George Orwell, writing during the second world war, once
heard someone referring to Germans as Huns. His response what that you
ultimately do people more harm by calling people Huns (or whatever) than you
do by dropping bombs on them. I know you don't like people quoting books
at you, Lance, but it might be worth thinking about what Orwell said.
As to your suggestion that I get a chip on my own shoulder
because of my gender - well, it seems to me that you and I have different
ideas of masculinity. Being strong, being masculine to me is about
getting rid of the chips on our shoulders (and I've got plenty) not wallowing
in them. Seems to me, Lance, on the basis of how you've replied to this
list, that you're not very interested in trying to understand other points of
view. You might think that constantly asserting your own point of view
is being strong - I think it's weak. Strong men admit that they
might be wrong on occasions.
Tim
Lance wrote:
Yes Tim,
I and many other have chips on our shoulders asyou put its called
exclusion,denigration intimidation and denial of basic rights of respect and
selfworth.
People use words to dominate others plain and simple.
Rather than allow for freedom of expression we are told
this is the way we must express ourselves.
I take no offence at what you say Tim.
By politicalcorrectedness I am saying those people in dominat positions
that dont speak in plain common sense terms that relate to everyone
and not just the educated few in societywho understand them.
We keep talking aboutculture as thoughitsimportance is above
evbreything else except thatmost australians don't have any culture at all
thats the issue. Isculture more importantthan real here and now issues
suchas what I have previouslyspoken about , third world housing,
diabetes, men in rural and aborginal communities, families in brokenhomes, 1
in 5 australians with mentalhealthissues, overcharging privatising
beaurocrats, need I go on.
Yes I have chip on my shoulder, you should to....
regards,Lance.
