Posted by Racer on July 22, 2005, at 19:06:08
In reply to Re: suggestions, posted by Dr. Bob on July 22, 2005, at 14:03:36
> > >
> > Maybe, instead of asking if posting a sentiment such as this has the potential to create anti-semitic feelings, Dr Bob were asked whether a statement like this is advocating any specific religion, to the exclusion of all others, or at the expense of all others, or something like that?
> >
> > Racer
>
> Thanks for helping to brainstorm this! But isn't it a problem if one religion is put down even if no other religion is advocated?
>
> BobMan, I hate it when that happens...
This is a sensitive issue for me -- well, religion in general is pretty sensitive for me, but that's another story. The question of anti-semitism came up today in a telephone call, about an incident that seemed quite similar to the larger issue here -- with so many people feeling accused of anti-semitism by Lou's references to Nazi propaganda -- and how that affects discussion. Whether or not it's considered "right" or "fair" or any number of other honorable things, any hint of an accusation of anti-semitism seems to end any hope of discussion. As soon as someone feels as though it's been suggested that they might harbor anti-semitic feelings, they defend themselves on that front, rather than examining their arguments for logic, or for actual anti-semitism, for that matter.
While I understand your stance on this -- or at least I think I understand it -- and I certainly believe that Lou is entitled to question any post he sees as questionable, I'm still very, very concerned about the number of times others here have felt accused of anti-semitism by the form those questions take. Does that make sense? Regardless of intent, the end result has been a number of people feeling as though they've been attacked for anti-semitism, and feeling hurt by it. I'm not sure that that's healthy for the community as a whole.
OK. Lemme step down off my little soapbox -- and do you have any idea how hard it is to find a proper soapbox in these days of liquid laundry detergent? -- and end by saying, "I'm gonna shut up now..."
poster:Racer
thread:527639
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20050716/msgs/531801.html