Matvey Sokolovsky,
Thank you for your remarks:
> It is hard to argue that very few people enjoy when they are called
> dummies. Except for those, of course, who buy "Whatever for dummies." It is
> hard for me to believe, though, that everyone on xmca perceives every
> single other fellow xmca member as a source of personal enlightenment. My
> guess is that there are at least a few of persons who think that some
> particular others are not so smart. And a lot may think that I am,
> personally, at least crazy.
>
> I
> wish I find a place where disagreement is not personalized (abstract people
> arguing about abstract ideas about an abstract world in an abstract place
> of an abstract universe) but meanwhile I prefer to be killed buy a sword,
>
Sarcasm and arrogance are, indeed, quintessential code for violence in
academia.
Molly Freeman
Matvey Sokolovsky wrote:
> It is pleasant for me to observe an enthusiasm of how behavior rules are
> accepted. Even my friend Eugene reports into supporters' camp with a
> cautious remark that he is a Mafiosi from Russia and consequently cares
> little about rules, laws, cultures, mailing lists, etc.
>
> It is hard to argue that very few people enjoy when they are called
> dummies. Except for those, of course, who buy "Whatever for dummies." It is
> hard for me to believe, though, that everyone on xmca perceives every
> single other fellow xmca member as a source of personal enlightenment. My
> guess is that there are at least a few of persons who think that some
> particular others are not so smart. And a lot may think that I am,
> personally, at least crazy.
>
> So my first question is whether people believe that by accepting some
> particular behavioral rules we would change attitudes or simply covering
> attitudes up is good enough.
>
> My second question is whether xmca members believe that rules change
> cultures. Particularly, my assumption is that sarcasm exists in our
> contemporary culture. So where the egg would be -- banning sarcasm would
> change the culture or change of the culture would eliminate sarcasm?
>
> Finally, Lenin used sarcasm masterfully to gain supporters. Those the aim
> of his sarcasm were able to retaliate. It was mostly not very nice. I know
> at least one person who was very politely made to leave critical job for
> her because of her unmatching worldview. She is not a happy person now. I
> wish I find a place where disagreement is not personalized (abstract people
> arguing about abstract ideas about an abstract world in an abstract place
> of an abstract universe) but meanwhile I prefer to be killed buy a sword,
> not a smile.
>
> PS. This discussion may be a good thematic dialogue for the SRAD
> conference. I use this opportunity to advertise it again
> http://www.norwich.edu/srad/program2000.htm
>
> Matvey Sokolovsky
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