|
|
Re: Reasons for leaving anthro-l (please read)
LAWRENCE PRITCHARD (pritchar@UCSUB.COLORADO.EDU)
Wed, 25 Jan 1995 07:32:25 -0700
On Tue, 24 Jan 1995, Michael Bauser wrote:
> >search and to bounce around some hypotheses. However, what
> >I stumbled into was a heated discussion which quickly
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Yeah, I've never seen two anthropologists have a "heated discussion"
> before....
>
> 1) Learned not to freak out if professors yelled.
> 2) Learned to support my arguments damn well and accept valid criticisms.
> 3) Realized I can be right without having the last word.
>
I think that Michael Bauser has made a good point here. Academia is not
the place for people who cannot stand the onslaught of critics.
However, in support of the individual who decided to leave this list, I
have one quibble with Bauser. I don't think the student was turned off
by the "heated discussion" as claimed by Bauser. Rather, I think the
student was turned off by the quick degeneration into personal attacks.
>I stumbled into was a heated discussion which quickly
>turned into feminist bashing, name calling, and even
>swearing.
As most people are aware, ad hominem arguments do not prove anything
except that the person launching the attack probably feels threatened
somehow. If one's arguments are truly sound, then one shouldn't have to
resort to personal attacks. Of course, I don't deny that sometimes it is
fun to push buttons. However, one should know the difference between
pushing buttons and making a valid argument.
******************************************************************************
Larry Pritchard Much Madness is divinest Sense-
Dept. of Anthropology To a discerning Eye-
University of Colorado Much Sense-the starkest Madness-
lawrence.pritchard@colorado.edu 'Tis the Majority
In this, as All, prevail-
Assent-and you are sane-
Demur-you're straightway dangerous-
And handled with a Chain-
Emily Dickenson
******************************************************************************
|