Hi Rick and Tipsters,
Rick Adams wrote:
>
>
> Sorry, Linda, but the posting of _ideas_ or information (versus accusations,
> derogatory comments, etc.) is _never_ unacceptable on a professional list.
I guess Rick that I am unclear how you separate an anti-Semitic or racist idea with a
derogatory comment about a particular group as it was presented in this case. When
someone makes a claim based in stereotype and prejudice (with no data - scientific or
otherwise - to support their statement) that is harmful to the group in question is
this an "idea" or a "derogatory comment". When the individual repeatedly makes such
statements, should others not object.
For example, what if an individual repeatedly made statements such as "Jews are
involved in an international conspiracy to take over the world and are thus parasites"
or "Jews because they believe themselves to be the chosen people feel they have the
right to oppress others" Are these ideas or a derogatory comments?
I would argue that they are derogatory comments designed to inflame the fires of
hatred. They denigrate a group, have no basis in reality, and are based on negative
stereotypes.
The posts in question only functioned to flame intolerance and promote
prejudice/discrimination.
To say these are inappropriate in the workplace, classroom, or a discussion list is not
censorship in my view. We are not discussing a body of research or even a newspaper
article.
Warmly,
linda
--
linda m. woolf, ph.d.
associate professor - psychology
webster university
main webpage: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/
Holocaust and genocide studies pages: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/holocaust.html
womens' pages: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/women.html
gerontology pages: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/gero.html
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
