RE: friendly advice

Tim O'Connor (tim@roughdraft.org)
Mon, 12 Jan 1998 15:08:08 -0500

> Oriental rubbish? I realize this is the only time I have actually posted
>to this list although
> I have been receiving it for over a year on and off but I feel that it is
>now necessary that I do.
> I am a very devote reader of Salinger but I also happen to be Japanese. I
>find it slightly
> offensive that you refer to us as having 'yellow faces' and mocking my
>culture as oriental
> rubbish.

I would like to think that the message was meant to be tongue-in-cheek or
highly ironic.  If not, I'd like to hear Scottie's explanation.  The list
is, for many of us, an escape from an increasingly impersonal world.
Abusive messages like this are not acceptable here.

Yet, at the same time:

> everyone is free to express themselves and their opinions but I see no
>reason why
> racism and culture bashing should be tolerated.

I distrust sentences like this after I reach the "but" part.

The answer to hateful speech (as has been said more eloquently than I can
say it) is more speech.   You were right to challenge the message.
However, there is more to be gained by arguing against "culture bashing"
than there is in trying prevent the subject from reaching the list.

Anyhow, if this discussion gets too heated, please take it to private
email.  We don't need the fight to be in public.

Xerxes, please accept my apology on behalf of the list community.  This is
not a place for dismissing people or cultures callously.  I'd like to
believe that it was a wry remark that didn't come out the way it was
intended.

Cheers!

--tim o'connor