Re: General broadsides and agendas

Mr. E (jackechs@EROLS.COM)
Sat, 3 Feb 1996 21:21:47 -0500

Well, you can have a discussion without reverting Argumentum ad Hominem or
should I say Argumentum ad animal bipes implume? Of course though, you had
to revert to the fallacy of tu quoque instead. While it's unfortunate that
you came under fire for you opinion of inserting "people", "humanity",
"human beings", etc. It is not an excuse for blatant name calling that you
use in the majority of your postings. Personally, I strive to insert those
terms as much as possible but I find it insulting for others to tell me to
do so. I tend to deal with it without jeopardizing my own self respect.

I do not see the advantage in forming a feminist group, but if that is what
you and others chose to do my hopes for success go with you. I will miss
the input of those members who leave as well as yours ... However, as long
as life is avoided instead of faced head on with strength and courage we
will remain men, women, black, white, red, yellow, etc instead of the human
beings that we are.

Let me see Ruby Rohrlich "...their language is scurrilous...", what exactly
do you think referring to someone who does not share your view as being
"retarded" is? I have a suggestion ... get out your dictionary and look up
the word "ignore". Meditate on its meaning. I know you know how, because
unless someone publically (posts to the list) comments on your posts you do
exactly that ... you ignore them. So instead of running off and sticking
your head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich ... when you read some of
these "scurrilous" comments stop, close the message, and press delete. I
practice this often, it works. It's far superior to lowering yourself to
the same level, censorship, or other nasty little things. I am glad you
posted about receiving the flames you did. Now that I realize the source of
your frustration, I can have more patience when you post "scurrilous"
comments and ignore them instead of complaining to the List Moderator myself
requesting your exclusion from posting.

At 07:30 PM 02/03/96 -0500, Ruby Rohrlich wrote:
>Hi Kotliar: Some time ago, when I first became a member of this list,I
>was flamed when I objected to the use of "man" and "mankind" as excluding
>terms when used as synonyms for "people," "humanity" "human beings."
>The flamers
>used words popularized by Rush Limbaugh such as "femininazi," "femcop."
>At this time several woman discussed starting a feminist anthropology
>list; I was not in favor of this; the flamers consisted of three or four
>men, in contrast to the great majority of male anthropologists who had
>harmonious relations with the women on the list. Now, I think the time
>has come to discuss a feminist anthropology list again; the flamers have
>increased in number, and their language is scurrilous,in line with the
>present popular tendency toward reaction.
>However, a discussion with the new manager indicates that the flamers may
>be kept under better control. In any case, I think we could
>start to discuss the possibility of a feminist anthropology
>list. Ruby Rohrlich
respectfully, Anthony Dauer <jackechs@erol.com>

"We have met the enemy, and he is us." -- Walt Kelly (1913-73)

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