Successful Discussion?. | The Coffeehouse

Bas
It finds lightbulbs.

And just to get some sort of answer on the original post:

My opinion is this. We should all strive to adhere to logic, since it's demonstrated pretty conclusively over the years its own success when properly used. Secondly, we shouldn't slack in explaining our positions as thoroughly as needed when it's possible to do so.

Yes, that's great. If you're a robot. Me and my human friends however do not live our lives entirely according to logic and rationalisation. If you want a succesful discussion, maybe talking to others as if they are not human is one of the worst things to do.

Bas
It finds lightbulbs.

In reply to jonathansampson

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 8:57 AM

I find it interesting to note that you started this thread wondering why people consider it a racist symbol and trying to assert that it isn't, when up to that point nobody even called it 'racist'. You're the first person to refer to it in those words.

jonathansampson
stick a scissor in you eye!

In reply to Bas

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 8:59 AM

Fine - this is ridiculous. It seems as though no common sense is shared anymore here. It's all emotion, ignorance, and nonsense. I'll come back after we've got a new president - maybe then logic and reason won't be discouraged amongst intellectuals in the c9 forums.

Bas
It finds lightbulbs.

In reply to jonathansampson

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 9:05 AM

So when someone doesn't agree with your point of view you get all hissy and leave? Yes, that's a great way to have a succesful discussion.

My view in relation to your original topic is that to have a succesful discussion, you need to remember that everybody else in the discussion is a human being, which in my opinion is the opposite of what you're suggesting. If you don't like that answer, fine. If you don't agree, that's understandable. If it makes you so angry that you get up and leave, then maybe you should just grow up.

TommyCarlier
I want my scalps!

In reply to jonathansampson

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 9:05 AM

I don't think it's that ridiculous. You can be logical all you want, but the fact remains that we are people, and people have emotions and can react emotionally to certain symbols, whether that's correct or not. Trying to convince people that they're not being logical will not help, calling them ignorant is YOUR emotional reaction. "Fine - this is ridiculous" is an expression of anger, an emotion, how logical is that?

DCMonkey
Monkey see, monkey do, monkey will destroy you!

In reply to jonathansampson

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 8:57 AM

You can't just take the fact that it's "just a stereotype" in isolation. It has a long history of usage in a racist context. I thought those links I posted in the other thread might point that out. Here's an article that a does a much better job:

http://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/question/may08/

Bass
www.spreadfirefox.com/5years/

I will like to add to this "discussion" that I happen to ENJOY eating watermelon and chicken, and I am not black!!! (I think)

ScanIAm
On a scale of 1 to 10, people are stupid.

In reply to Bass

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 10:28 AM

That isn't really the point, tho, is it Smiley

The swastica (Godwin, FTW!!!) is an ancient hindu symbol, but I double-dog-dare you to try wearing it on a T-shirt and visiting some jewish friends on hanukka.

It's just a bunch of lines, right?

Yggdrasil
Pour me a cab, 'cause I can't drink no more.

In reply to jonathansampson

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 8:43 AM

Racial stereotyping IS racism. That's exactly what racism is. And just because 'racism' is such a strong, loaded word in the American discourse doesn't mean that stereotyping shouldn't be.

brian.shapiro
things go on as always

In reply to Yggdrasil

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 3:49 PM

Stereotyping has also become a strong, loaded word in the English language, its equated with what we mean by racism, which is bigotry.

Stereotyping used in a way to demean someone from a certain race is bigotry, and if anyone were linking Obama to watermelons you can make a pretty good bet they're making a racist statement.

But there are ways to use stereotypes that aren't bigoted. For example, cartoons get their humor from stereotypes, not only racial stereotypes, but all types. Just because the stereotype is racial, doesn't make it racist.

brian.shapiro
things go on as always

In reply to ScanIAm

#Oct 11th, 2008 @ 1:28 PM

ScanIam,

its not just hindu, its been used in a lot of cultures. Greeks used it in decoration; Hitler in particular drew it from some pagan traditions in central and eastern europe