Posted by fayeroe on July 27, 2010, at 1:37:07
In reply to Re: the system here, posted by Dr. Bob on July 27, 2010, at 0:24:40
> > If I were going to propose an ethics of posting at Psychobabble, it would involve, at least, two features: 1) No ad hominem attacks; 2) The requirement that one post in good faith. ... One would be considered to be posting in good faith by: A) observing the rule against ad hominem attacks, B) honestly trying to advance the discussion / argument toward greater understanding (this would include the current ban on wild over-generalizations), & C) being explicit when something someone posts pushes your buttons. In regard to this last point, one might say, for example, "That statement makes me angry," or "I can't help taking that statement personally," or even, perhaps, "I think that statement calls for an apology." (I'm uncertain about this last example.) Any of these responses gives the person addressed an opportunity to respond in a number of ways: With silence, which, while not ideal, would be considered acceptable; with clarification or apology, which would be the ideal; or with a screw-you statement, which would be evidence of bad faith. Finally, we might all try to be careful to be explicit when we are using sarcasm, irony, or other forms of expression that don't translate well from speech to print.
>
> Thanks for offering an alternative. I agree with your principles. Maybe an alternative to that last example might be:
>
> > > I'd appreciate an apology.
>
> > As an example of the sort of good faith discussion of a difficult subject, I'd point to the recent "toxic crap" thread on the Medication board. I think everyone behaved admirably there & I include Link's "I don't give a crap . . ." statement.
> >
> > chujoe
>
> I think that's been a good discussion, too. You wouldn't consider "I don't give a crap what you think" a screw-you statement?
>
> --
>
> > 5. I want to speak to the idea that the posters have to help someone keep from being blocked. I am responsible for what I say here. Poster A is responsible for what she says. I hardly ever see poster A post and I have no idea who she is. I do not like being told that she will get blocked/PBC if I don't help her. Not jumping in doesn't mean (as you say repeatedly) that I don't care if she is blocked.
>
> No one *has* to help anyone else keep from being blocked. I haven't meant to imply that not jumping in means not caring. I do think it would feel more supportive here if people did try to help each other in this way. People are more likely to help friends than strangers, but it's nice to help strangers, too.You always say "Would anyone be willing to try to show ______ how she might rephrase the above or to encourage her to apologize? You may have the power to help her avoid being blocked again. Thanks,"
How many posters have stated (to you) that they feel guilted or shamed when you ask them into helping someone? "You may have the power" .......Lots of people come here because they either don't have power or they believe that they dont have it. . I know that I've had an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I read that.
>
> > > Instead of being negative about ideas you want to criticize, just be positive about alternative ideas you support.
> >
> > The discussion is about torture.
> >
> > Can you show us what you would say?
> >
> > fayeroe
>
> One possibility might be:
>
> > > I believe people are entitled, in all circumstances, to respect for their persons, their honour, their family rights, their religious convictions and practices, and their manners and customs. I believe they should at all times be humanely treated and protected especially against all acts of violence or threats thereof and against insults and public curiosity. I believe women should be especially protected against any attack on their honour, in particular against rape, enforced prostitution, or any form of indecent assault. I believe all people should be treated with the same consideration, without any adverse distinction based, in particular, on race, religion or political opinion.I am only interested in a statement about torture. . Just a statement about "torture" as in what we've learned about our government in the last few years. I guess I should have been more specific.
>
> Bob
poster:fayeroe
thread:951844
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20100714/msgs/956077.html