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Conference quark::human_relations-v1

Title:What's all this fuss about 'sax and violins'?
Notice:Archived V1 - Current conference is QUARK::HUMAN_RELATIONS
Moderator:ELESYS::JASNIEWSKI
Created:Fri May 09 1986
Last Modified:Wed Jun 26 1996
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1327
Total number of notes:28298

682.0. "Racism or Free Speech?" by BRADOR::HATASHITA () Thu Feb 09 1989 21:57

A recent study and report generated by a professor at the University of Western
Ontario has created a public outcry in Canada.  The study, which the author
claims to be a valid scientific endeavor, indicates that there is a difference
in the innate intelligence of different races.  His paper claims that Orientals
are more intelligent than Caucasians, who in turn are more intelligent than
Blacks.  He then claims that this is an indication of a variance in the level
of evolutionary advancement between races. He has backed his claim by providing
physiological, psychological and sociological data which includes brain
size, crime statistics, IQ scores, average income, average education level,
long term memory and control of sexual urges.

An example of the type of information presented in his paper:

In Toronto, Blacks make up 3% of the population and account for 35% of the
criminal charges laid by the city.  Orientals make up 9% of the population
yet account for less than 1% of the crime. (Ottawa Sun)


Recently, Dr. David Suzuki, a world renown geneticist, had an open forum debate
with the author of the study.  Suzuki claims that the entire study is a
farce and that the author was inspired racist beliefs.  He publicly called
the author an "ignorant imbecile" and referred to the study as "an exercise
in bad science."  The author stands by his results.

I am personally offended by such studies which call themselves scientific. But
I am torn on the issue as to whether or not such studies should be permitted by
a university.  The environment of our "centers for higher learning" thrives
only when free and unrestricted research and inquiry is permitted.  Where
does one draw the line?

Another incident in Canada involved a man who published and distributed
pamphlets which claimed that the Holocaust of Nazi Germany never occurred and
that it was dreamed up by an international Jewish conspiracy in order to
establish Israel. The man was charged with inspiring hatred towards a specific
ethnic group and jailed. 

Again I found myself sitting on a fence.  His views were offensive to the
extreme but how can a free society jail a man for speaking his mind (as warped
as it may be).  Canada doesn't have any constitutional guarantee to freedom of
speech, but I didn't think that criminal charges was right.

I find televangelists offensive when they claim that "God has marked the wicked
fornicators and sodomites with AIDS and herpes." (Ernest Angely actually said
this) Yet they're allowed to get rich tax free.  Have any of them faced
criminal charges for their points of view?

Where do we draw the line?  

Any comments?



    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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682.1Time to run and hide!SSDEVO::GALLUPArizona #1 -- C ya in the Final 4!Thu Feb 09 1989 23:5149
>His paper claims that Orientals
>are more intelligent than Caucasians, who in turn are more intelligent than
>Blacks.  He then claims that this is an indication of a variance in the level
>of evolutionary advancement between races. He has backed his claim by providing
>physiological, psychological and sociological data which includes brain
>size, crime statistics, IQ scores, average income, average education level,
>long term memory and control of sexual urges.

	 Okay, I'm probably going to get a lot of heat for this,
	 but....

	 These are facts that this guy came up with after much study.
	 Are you telling me, Kris, that because the study was based on
	 the differences between the races that its descriminatory?
	 What is the study had been based on blue-eyed people as
	 opposed the brown-eyed and green-eyed?  Would the study be
	 just as invalid?  Facts are facts.  I look at this study this
	 way...it helps us to know where we need to concentrate our
	 efforts to make the world an overall better place.  I find it
	 a very heartening study indeed to know that there is a race
	 that is more "advanced" than mine...I know who I should study
	 to make myself better.  I don't at all find it offensive to
	 be told that another race is more advanced than mine...as long as
	 there are facts to back it up--and ways can be found to
	 bridge that gap.  I am sure, too, that there are standards of
	 measurement that this person did not use to show that blacks
	 are much more advanced in some ways than orientals!  

	 I find this study very interesting indeed!  And you won't
	 find a racist bone in my body.
	 
>I find televangelists offensive when they claim that "God has marked the wicked
>fornicators and sodomites with AIDS and herpes." (Ernest Angely actually said
>this) Yet they're allowed to get rich tax free.  Have any of them faced
>criminal charges for their points of view?

	 I find this very offensive indeed, also.  Fornication: sex
	 before marriage.  Egads!  I guess I am going to get
	 AIDS and herpes! This claim has no basis in fact and is
	 derogatory to the group of people mentioned.  I do not feel,
	 however, the above study, is meant to be derogatory in any
	 way.  I feel it is meant as a way of understanding the
	 differences that DO lie between races.  No one race is in any
	 way BETTER than another, but there are differences.

	 k

    

682.2What's your hat sizeBRADOR::HATASHITAFri Feb 10 1989 00:3335
    The point is that the conclusions reached by the professor are based on
    complex socio-economic variables and that because certain trends
    appear in these variables the good professor concludes that there
    is an intelligence gradient accross the races.  Not only is that
    bad science but it's potentially harmful information.  The KKK are
    probably having a field day with this.
    
>    I do not feel,  however, the above study, is meant to be derogatory in
>    any way.  I feel it is meant as a way of understanding the differences
>    that DO lie between races.  No one race is in any way BETTER than
>    another, but there are differences. 
    
    I agree with you, Kathy. Partly. The study may not have intended to be
    derogatory.  The researcher may very well believe what he states.  But
    he has definitely placed a ranking on the races.  He states outright
    that the level of inteligence is lower in certain races.  That's not
    just pointing out a difference like Blacks have darker skin than
    Caucasians. 
    
    For example, the study states that the ratio of cranium size to body
    weight is highest amongst Orientals.  Since everyone knows that the
    brain is the seat of intelligence, the bigger the head, the bigger the
    brain, the smarter the person.  Bad science. No one has ever proved the
    correlation.  Read the Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould. In this
    book the author takes us back to a time when the size of the cranium
    indicated the net worth of a human being.  19th century research was
    full of this type of study.  Men had bigger heads than women, Whites
    had bigger heads than Blacks, Europeans had bigger heads than anyone,
    scientists had bigger heads than criminals. 
    
    Back then learned men used to judge each other by the size of their
    hats, like guys checking out what their team-mates are "packing in
    their jocks" in the shower stalls.  Science of this type is bad news. 
                                                       
                                                                          
682.3Errata on skull sizeWMOIS::B_REINKEIf you are a dreamer, come in..Fri Feb 10 1989 00:507
    in re .3
    
    In re head size. One of the greatest geniuses (male) of the 19th
    century, was found - after his death - to have an extremely
    small skull. Doesn anyone recall who he was?
    
    Bonnie (who has forgotten and can't remember where she read it)
682.4... facts or hypotheses???PMROAD::WEBBFri Feb 10 1989 01:2121
    a couple of points...
    
    "facts" and what one concludes from them... or hypothesizes... are
    two quite different things.
    
    e.g., 99.9 % of hard drug abusers drank milk as children....  Does
    it therefore hold that milk drinkers will become hard drug users?
    
    
    Unfortunately, free speech isn't free speech if unpopular or even
    racist views are barred expression.  Just one of the problems that
    comes with freedom.
    
    
    Last note... the science of modern sociology had its roots in the
    work of apologists for slavery in the 1800s.  In attempting to justify
    "the peculiar institution" these early social scientists created
    work that led to more valuable things.
    
    R.
    
682.6Answers: 'Yes', 'Yes' and 'I don't know'RETORT::RONFri Feb 10 1989 01:4365
The base note deals with three separate topics.

As to the U of Western Ontario professor, his claim that it's "a
valid scientific endeavor" is probably correct. His conclusions,
however, have little to do with his findings. 

For instance, I believe that

	In Toronto, Blacks make up 3% of the population and account
	for 35% of the criminal charges laid by the city.  Orientals
	make up 9% of the population yet account for less than 1% of
	the crime. (Ottawa Sun)

is probably true. However, the good professor's conclusion, linking
these facts with differing intelligence levels, is unacceptable. 

I would answer the question, whether universities should allow such
studies, with an unequivocal "Yes". I would add, though, that they
should allow publication ONLY after evaluating these studies as to
conformance with good research practices. Needless to say, unfounded
conclusions should be reason for rejection of such "research". 

------------------------

As to the nazi, his claims are based on outright lies. It must be 
difficult to understand how can anyone utter such preposterous lies, 
in the face of overwhelming evidence of the truth, until one 
remembers that this was nazi Germany's standard mode of operation:
the greater the lie and the more often it was repeated, the more it 
was accepted.

I think the base noter's question

	Again I found myself sitting on a fence.  His views were
	offensive to the extreme but how can a free society jail a
	man for speaking his mind

misses the point. The nazi is not 'speaking his mind'. He is
publishing lies. Free society HAS A DUTY to the law abiding
public, to jail this person. 

---------------

As to televangelists:

	...they claim that "God has marked the wicked fornicators
	and sodomites with AIDS and herpes."

Isn't this enough to make one an Atheist? If a God does exist, why
would He allow such creatures to deface His earth?


	Yet they're allowed to get rich tax free. Have any of them
	faced criminal charges for their points of view?

No. And that includes Jim Baker who got away with raping a young 
woman, as well as Jerry Falwell, who got away with raping the 
public.

I don't the answer.


-- Ron

682.7Psychiatric help, maybe, but jail?BRADOR::HATASHITAFri Feb 10 1989 02:0317
    re .6
    
    The Nazi (although the man never claimed to be one) may have actually
    believed what he was preaching.  Can we really know?  
    
    The frightening part of the entire issue was that, because of the
    amount of press this person had recieved, he had gathered a following
    by the time he came to trial.  Had the press written him off as
    a wing-nut and not followed his trial in detail he would have been slated
    for oblivion
    
    The part which has me sitting on a fence is that all through history
    people with strange and often idiotic theories have been persecuted.
    But some of them were actually right (Galilleo, Copernicus, spherical
    Earthers).  Not to say that the Nazi may be right, but he does have
    a right to believe whatever he wants.  Does he have a right to say
    it?
682.8wacked statisticsYODA::BARANSKIWit & Wisdom in 25 letters or lessFri Feb 10 1989 03:5128
RE: Comparing Blacks & Whites & Orientals

The problem with these comparisons is that there are too many differences
involved in the study to pin the cause on one factor such as race. While the
Blacks may have a higher crime rate, it may not be caused by their race, but by
poorer education, poorer jobs, discrimination, etc.  All these problems stem
from everyone, BUT the Blacks. In order to make a valid comparison, only one
factor can be allowed to vary (race) while the other factors (ed, jobs,
environment) must be the same.  The comparison must be made with "all other
things being equal".

RE: hat size

Intelligence is supposedly on the surface of the brain.  More intelligent
people have a more convoluted brain surface, not a larger brain,

RE: 99% of drug users drank milk

This statistic is backwards.  In order to say that milk causes drug use, you
would have to state that 99% of milk drinkers end up using drugs, not the other
way around. 

RE: Free Speech

People should be free to speak their mind in any fashion they wish.  We of
course have the option of not listening to them.

Jim.
682.10HAMSTR::IRLBACHERAnother I is beginning...Fri Feb 10 1989 12:5150
    The late James Baldwin once said (and I must paraphrase because
    I cannot get the words *exactly* right) that if a man calls
    another by the name of "nigger" he needs to ask himself why
    he needs a "nigger".  (*****please**** don't pound me for that
    word-I *am* quoting)
    
    And I cannot help but wonder why someone feels the need to prove
    that certain races are more intelligent than others.  Would it
    not be better to emphasis their overall social/economic/political
    artistic development over time periods?  
    
    This probably is well thought out--its *too early* for my WASP
    brain to get into gear.
    
    What I am thinking of is a visit I once took to the Boston zoo.
    While there, I went into one of the buildings where a small part
    of the artifacts were of African origin.  The young man who was
    in charge gave me a talk of over an hour, pointing out the art work,
    its significance as art and it place in the social and religious
    life of the village, and the connections that the climate, food
    sources, etc. had on the social structure of the people.
    
    I came away from that session with the deepest awe of those people
    whom I now viewed in a totally different way.  I now have a fascination
    with African art and its significance in the overall social structure
    that I would have been oblivious to before.  
    
    What I am poorly saying is--to claim that those people, perhaps,
    were less intelligent because of their race is rediculous.  This
    WASP woman would die in that environment da*n fast because I would
    not have the intelligence to know how to survive.  And that is the
    value of intelligence to my personal way of thinking.  
    
    FLAME ON
    
    To build
    big buildings that shut out the sky and sun, and to rape the environment, 
    and to create cesspools
    of despairing humanity in slums, and to have cities teeming with
    homeless women and children for god's sake, and building and 
    storing enough
    bombs to kill 20x over...
    
    *does not say much for our super intelligence*
    
    FLAME OFF
    
   
    Marilyn
          
682.11re .9PMROAD::WEBBFri Feb 10 1989 13:214
    Thanks, Mike... that was my point...
    
    R.
    
682.12Proposterous Propositions.ELESYS::JASNIEWSKIjust a revolutionary with a pseudonymFri Feb 10 1989 13:2146
    
    	Often, things are proposed that are "proposterous" and as a result,
    no one wants to discuss them. They forget that "all things hang
    in balance" thinking that, if we concentrate on making the "House
    Beutiful" perception of society prevalent, all the "baddies" will
    just go away! Unfortunately, one cannot just forget the "other half",
    if one does not also wish to eventually experience it personally - The 
    great consequence of ignorance. It is for this reason that we *must*,
    on ocassion address topics that are somewhat uncomfortable for us.
                                                                        
    	Try proposing something like "Nothing is all_powerful; even
    God has discernable limitations" and watch just about everyone shy
    away from the conversation. Propose something even more outrageous,
    such as "The nazi's murdered all the Jews because the Jews didnt feel
    their *shame* the way the nazis did; they were jealous and couldnt
    deal with it, so they just killed 'em all" and watch your lips flap
    in the "proverbial vaccuum" - no one hears or wishes to comprehend
    such a thing...Let alone "discuss it". Such is the sensitivity of
    the general public toward considering such things.
    
    	No one ever mentions a level of confidence that necessarily
    must accompany any resultant claim. Even in this industry, someone
    will say "there's no difference" at a meeting *without* any expression
    of how sure they are in that statement. Are you 90% sure you're
    right? Not with *one* experiment you arent! You probably didnt even
    test for *significance* in the variability of your data; you were
    so quick to jump out and say "this is better 'n that". Otherwise,
    such statements of your confidence in what you say would automatically
    accompany your claimed result. Whenever someone makes such a unsure
    claim (no confidence given) I automatically consider it's probability
    of truth to be a coin toss. Maybe, Maybe not.     
    
    	All things considered, means a factorial analysis. I'll believe
    a claim when all reasonable factors have been cleared as significant or
    insignificant. In the base topic, I cant believe the result, without
    knowing the result of the analysis of the significant factors, at
    least one of which is "under what conditions did each representative
    of their race grow up in?" Doubting these to be identicle, I'd suspect
    that it's significant enough to render the study inconclusive.
    
    	The "childhood environment" factor was not cleared in the study,
    from what I can see. I think it's a reasonable one to consider.
    
    	Joe Jas
    
    	
682.13HANDY::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesFri Feb 10 1989 14:1861
    re: .1
    
    Hold on, here, kath.  First of all, there is a difference between
    "observation" and "fact"; scientifically, when the former is 
    independently repeated often enough, it is accepted as the latter
    (but even *that* doesn't guarantee that it is "reality" or "truth").
    
    Statistics are not necessarily "facts"; how the statistic is gathered
    has everything to do with whether it accurately reflects reality.
    But, even if we stipulate for this discussion that the statistics
    are accurate (i.e. "facts") whether or not they *prove* anything
    is another matter entirely.  
    
    If I look hard enough, kath, I'll bet I can find quite a few 
    grammatical errors in your notes, (mine too!); does this mean either 
    of us is "less intelligent" than others with better grammar?  When
    Irish people were first immigrating to Boston in large numbers,
    they constituted a disproportionately high percentage of criminal
    offenders.  Many (in power) at the time concluded that this "proved"
    that Irish people were inferior.  But if one studies crime globally
    and over the course of history, one finds that there is a one-to-one
    correllation between those who are "outsiders", "have-nots", and
    "immigrants", and those who are most prosecuted by the law.
    Invariably, those in power, are infrequently prosecuted as compared
    to those outside of the power structure.  Citing crime statistics
    as "proof" of intelligence is a notably flawed argument.
    
    Whether a particular set of statistical facts "prove" intelligence
    (or even relative intelligence) is highly debateable.  For the longest
    time, IQ tests were the standard of measurement; only recently have
    people (including our hallowed scientests) begun to suspect that
    perhaps what they measure is relative learning abilities only amongst
    people of certain cultures.  At this point in time, there is a good
    deal of scientific dissention around what "intelligence" is and
    how to measure it.  In such an environment, this particular scientist
    might be stating a "theory", but has hardly "proven" anything (other
    than the fact that he can get is theory published).
    
    re:  free speech  
    
    As far as I can tell (from Kris' description), the author hasn't
    violated the right to free speech, a right that's bounded by such
    things as libel law, and those governing inciting others to commit
    various crimes.  He may, however, have invalidated his right to
    be respected as a scientist. . .
    
    I have to disagee strongly with Ron (? .6) - I think a free society
    has a duty *not* to jail this individual.  Tolerance is the price
    of free speech and, assuming the individual has not broken the
    above laws, he hasn't, in fact (legally, provably) lied.  If 
    reaching an erroneous conclusion from a set of "facts" and then
    publishing that conclusion were a criminal offense, how many of
    us here *wouldn't* be doing time?  
    
    If tolerance is the price we must pay for a free exchange of ideas,
    then perhaps education is the guardian against abuse of this system.
    It seems to me that the danger to our system of free speech is a
    populace that routinely accepts "facts" and "theories" without
    question.  
    
    Steve
682.14We're ALL Brothers and SistersSALEM::JWILSONTo thine own self be trueFri Feb 10 1989 14:2635
    Kris,
    
    Your initial entry states that the professor in question performed
    a scientific study that resulted in specific conclusions.  Are you
    questioning:
    1. Whether or not his study was valid?
    2. Whether or not the study should have been undertaken?
    3. Whether or not the conclusions reached were attributable to the
       data collected (e.g. were other factors not studied responsible
       for the seeming differences in the races)?
    
    I believe that #3 may be a reasonable explanation for many of the
    differences in "intelligence" by ethnic group.  That there are
    measurable differences is not a new hypothesis.  Because the question
    had been raised previously, an IQ test was written specifically
    for inner city blacks, placing things in the context of their
    vocabulary, and their socio-cultural backgrounds.  Not surprisingly
    the blacks came out way ahead in the study.
    
    I believe that there *could be* general tendencies in the physiological
    makeup of various ethnic groups, but that you are doing a disservice
    to ALL races to assume that these tendencies are hard and fast rules.
    As an example, I doubt than anyone would disagree if I say that
    Japanese people as a whole are shorter than Caucasians.  But if
    you encounter a Japanese person who is 7' tall, would you assume
    him to be short?  The same goes with intelligence and social
    development.  If there are ethnic differences, they should be
    understood, valued, and used in a positive sense to generally improve
    Humanity (not to put down someone who you believe to be inferior
    in some way).
    
    Aren't all of us superior to most people in some way, and inferior
    to most people in others?  Who Cares??
    
    Jack
682.15re. 14BRADOR::HATASHITAFri Feb 10 1989 14:4811
    re .14
    
    I was questioning the border line between the right to free inquiry
    and the dissemination of dangerous information.  I don't know if
    the study is valid, but I do know that some of the data presented
    in support of the conclusion had no bearing on the argument.  We
    have a man claiming science using complex social-economic-psycological
    variables, and severe twists of logic and the only thing anyone
    hears is that the races are ranked in intelligence.  No one questions.
    
    Kris
682.16SSDEVO::GALLUPArizona #1 -- C ya in the Final 4!Fri Feb 10 1989 15:1750

	 RE: .13

	 I guess I need to clarify my note, then , eh?  I had the
	 unfortunate opportunity to reply before Kris gave more
	 information into the study.

	 What I am trying to point out is that studies like this are
	 GREAT and are a means by which we determine what areas we
	 need to place more efforts.  The conclusions what were made
	 by <whatever his name was> were HIS conclusions...I do not
	 know enough about the study to make MY conclusions, but they
	 would definately be different.  I am soley concerned with the
	 facts he came up with.
	 
>    "observation" and "fact"; scientifically, when the former is 
>    independently repeated often enough, it is accepted as the latter
>    (but even *that* doesn't guarantee that it is "reality" or "truth").

	 If you used this definition of 'fact' then nothing would be
	 fact.  What we observe is what we call fact..This apple is
	 red.  To me that is a fact, when in reality it is an
	 observation.
	    
>    But, even if we stipulate for this discussion that the statistics
>    are accurate (i.e. "facts") whether or not they *prove* anything
>    is another matter entirely.  

	 I never stated (did I?) that they proved anything.  I stated
	 they were a basis on which we could find out where to place
	 more efforts, and do more studies.
	    
>    If I look hard enough, kath, I'll bet I can find quite a few 
>    grammatical errors in your notes, (mine too!); does this mean either 
>    of us is "less intelligent" than others with better grammar?

	 Not at all, but I would say that someone with better grammar
	 was more intelligent than me a grammar.  Little do they know
	 I am a math wiz and they can't even balance their checkbook!
	 No one is better or more intelligent or more advanced in ALL
	 ways, just in some ways...We all have our bad points and our
	 good points.  Statistics like those presented in this study
	 can help us improve on those bad points.
	 

	 I think you miss what I am trying to say...I'm not very good
	 with words today! (must be friday!)

	 kath
682.17My responseRETORT::RONFri Feb 10 1989 16:3884
    re .6
    
>    The Nazi (although the man never claimed to be one) may have actually
>    believed what he was preaching. Can we really know?

I couldn't care less. Lets try a 'fer instance': say I truly
believe that Johnny Carson is a national criminal and therefore,
advocate and incite people to do something unlawful to his anatomy
(such as separate certain of it's parts from the rest). Say further
that, as a result, people do him harm. Would I be responsible for
that harm? The law says "yes".

Should anybody care about my motives? Does it make any difference 
whether I actually believed it, or were simply trying to improve 
Mr. Letterman's position? The law says "no".

By the same token, that nazi is responsible, regardless of what he 
believes in.
    

>    The part which has me sitting on a fence is that all through history
>    people with strange and often idiotic theories have been persecuted.
>    But some of them were actually right (Galilleo, Copernicus, spherical
>    Earthers).

I do not believe any of these people advocated harm to anyone else. 
In your examples, people stood up for their right to independent 
scientific thought (you can add Pasteur and Curie to your list), 
which has nothing to do with the case.


>    Not to say that the Nazi may be right, but he does have
>    a right to believe whatever he wants. Does he have a right to
>    say it?

Not if it infringes on other's rights.


RE: .8


>    People should be free to speak their mind in any fashion they
>    wish.

Oh, really? Do I have the right to talk someone into lynching you 
because you raped their small sister (It doesn't have to be true. 
they don't even have to have a sister)?


RE: .13


>    I have to disagee strongly with Ron (? .6) - I think a free society
>    has a duty *not* to jail this individual.  Tolerance is the price
>    of free speech ....

Now, let's take a relaxed, calm view of this. I think another 'fer 
instance' is in order. Say someone took your two year old baby girl
and, just for fun (no malice intended) grabbed her by the feet and
bashed her little head against a tree (meaning no harm, you
understand, just for fun). 

Further, say that same someone killed your parents and used their
hair to manufacture pillow stuffing and their carcasses to
manufacture soap (nothing personal, you understand. Just good 
business practices).

Further, say that someone did this to 6,000,000 others of your
nation.

Now the offspring of this someone is here, with a declared intent 
of doing the same to you. They TRULY BELIEVE that this will improve 
the world. They indulge in all the propaganda designed to lead to 
your extermination. Are they within their rights? What about free 
speech?

>    If tolerance is the price we must pay for a free exchange of
>    ideas ...

Sorry, this is one 'idea' I am not tolerant off.

-- Ron

682.18Don't add injury to insult.BRADOR::HATASHITAFri Feb 10 1989 17:389
    re. .17
    
    Ron,  Jim Kiegstra ("The Nazi", I finally remembered his name) doesn't
    necessarily advocate bashing in the heads of little girl, nor does he
    necessarily advocate turning people into soap.  He's just saying that
    it never happened. 
    
    What this is is an insult to those who suffered.  There is a difference
    between insult and injury. 
682.19HANDY::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesFri Feb 10 1989 20:3275
682.20HANDY::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesFri Feb 10 1989 20:5746
682.21COGMK::CHELSEAMostly harmless.Fri Feb 10 1989 21:336
    You have the right to say anything you want.  "Right" does not mean
    "without any negative consequences" (a distinction a lot of people
    seem to miss).  It means you get to do it and you get to take the
    consequences.  In the case of the study, the professor gets to publish
    his article (although not necessarily through the university press).
    He also gets to have his peers laugh at him.
682.22 More responsesRETORT::RONSat Feb 11 1989 14:3656
RE: .18

    
>    Ron,  Jim Kiegstra ("The Nazi", I finally remembered his name) doesn't
>    necessarily advocate bashing in the heads of little girl, nor does he
>    necessarily advocate turning people into soap.  He's just saying that
>    it never happened.

You should see this in the context in which the nazi said it. This
Jim Kiegstra is not the only one to make this claim. When nazis say
"it never happened", they are not just airing opinions, or even just
trying to exonerate their movement. They **are** advocating mass
exterminations. You should listen to everything they are saying. 

Thus, this propaganda is a preparation for a 'repeat performance',
in line with their overall ambition. 

A such, this is much more that "an insult to those who suffered.".
It's true that "there is a difference between insult and injury" -
this is the first step toward further injury. 


RE: .20

Steve, everything I said above also applies to your reply. But:

>    ... I must allow a neo-Nazi to theorize
>    that such a [master] race is a "fact" - at this point, I must
>    protect his right to speak what I feel is nonsense.

I strongly disagree with you, because from such nazi 'theorizing'
immediately follows the 'fer instance' I offered in .17. This 'it
never happened' propaganda is in line with the way the nazis
conducted their business since day one (If you say it often enough
and loudly enough, people will finally believe it). History is
there, for us to see what must follow, if we allow them to
'theorize'. 

Please do not be so simplistic as to assume that the nazis will be
happy to stop, once there is a following that accepts that 'it never
happened'. 


>    Does the study exhort people to commit genocide?  If so, it has
>    gone beyond the allowable bounds of free speech and the author
>    is liable for prosecution.  Does the study allege to simply "prove"
>    that there is a "superior" race?  If so, it hasn't exceeded those 
>    bounds.

My reply specifically addressed the nazi propaganda issue. The
professor's study is a different issue, over which, I believe, we
have no strong disagreements. 

-- Ron

682.23HANDY::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesSat Feb 11 1989 16:5464
682.24Statistics sometimes lie....MCIS2::AKINSI C your Schwartz is as big as mine!Sun Feb 12 1989 17:1427
    I never go with statistics.  They can be arranged to prove anything.
    For example.....
    
    	Blacks make up of 3% of the population.  30% of the Crime is
    done by blacks.   
    
    	Sounds like Blacks are all a bunch of criminals....but think
    of this...
    
    	Toronto isn't known for being a large Crime capital.....
    and maybe one black man commits three crimes in a place where there
    is only ten crimes a year ( know this is a gross under estimate!)
    That means he commited 30% of the Crimes.  If the population is
    1000 then 3 percent of that population would be only 30.  So we
    have 1 man out of 30 blacks who commited 30% of the crimes in the
    city.  Now one 29 lawful blacks get shot down because of 1 criminal.
    Not fair by my standards....
    
    I feel that these studies have their place but you should take them
    for what they are worth.  Not Much....
    
    	My feelings is that everyone should be handled on an indavidual
    basis.  People should be judged by their own actions not by what
    group they belong to.
    
    Bill
    
682.25RETORT::RONMon Feb 13 1989 13:4028
RE: .23

>    Ron, if you'd like the discussion to be calm, I'd appreciate
>    it if you don't read a "simplistic" view into what I've written;
>    ....
>    History has shown that there is a tendency of supremicist groups
>    towards violence.

Steve, on reading your last reply, I realize that your view is not
'simplistic' (BTW, no offense was meant, I hope none was taken), but
rather, global. You are discussing "a tendency of supremicist
groups" - I am referring, very specifically, to the well known goals
(not just 'tendencies') of the nazis (not just any 'supremacist
group'). 

I hope all readers will agree that the nazis are a very special
supremacist group, just going by their history, if nothing else.
Thus, supremacist groups, perhaps, need to be "watched like a hawk",
but (my personal feeling) nazis should be contained in a much more
decisive manner. 

I agree with your views, as they concern almost all other such
groups. But, definitely NOT those that openly advocate, work towards
or actually practice the extermination of others. 

-- Ron 

682.26media "facts"CLOSUS::HOEtoddlin' Sam's daddySat Feb 18 1989 08:0516
Back in the early '70s, when the little known Edwin Meese was
attorney general of California, he made the statement that
because the heroin traffic mainly from the chinese community, all
chinese should be suspect. My point is that some of these
"leaders" misuse their authority to point out their pet
conclusions to be fact.

I guess that's the danger of freedom, anyone can utter their
"hate" themes and call it fact. In the late 60's, I was attending
my first National Education association seminar in Miami, one of
the teachers from Dade County told me that some black students
believed that man never went to the moon but that it was a media
blitz. I guess if the nazi's claimed that the mass killing of
Jews never happened, just blame it on bad press for them.

cal hoe
682.27The show must go onCECV05::GAMADo you know any new jokes? Wed Feb 22 1989 20:0019
< I guess if the nazi's claimed that the mass killing of    >
<Jews never happened, just blame it on bad press for them.  >
    
    I have respect for what happened to the Jews people in the
    WWII, but I think we should never forget others that were
    killed in the same camps. I think this has been a racist
    approach, you never hear about the others, this has been
    a media blitz. But why should we keep hearing those stories
    of the WWII? Why are we affraid of a new Hittler? The show
    must go on, I'm shore a new crazy guy will start a new war
    (Iran?, Siria?,???,?), maybe next time you'll see jews killing
    germans, maybe you'll see blacks making the white a slave. Nobody
    is affraid of wars in the XVII century.
    
    As I said before, the show must go on.
    
    -rui-
    

682.28CADSE::WONGLe Chinois FouWed Feb 22 1989 22:2160
RE: .27
    
>>>    but I think we should never forget others that were
>>>    killed in the same camps. 

    right.  My grandmother was in a Japanese concentration camp in China
    during the war.  I am very aware of all the atrocities that the
    Japanese committed on their fellow human beings (including the Bataan
    Death March).
    
>>>I'm shore a new crazy guy will start a new war
>>>    (Iran?, Siria?,???,?), 

    That's why intelligence groups around the world are always trying
    to knock off potential crazies.  How much terrorism would be happening
    today if the US had gotten lucky and nailed Khadafy?  Imagine all
    the tens of thousands of people who might still be alive if those
    crazies in Iran had accepted a ceasefire earlier?
    
>>>    But why should we keep hearing those stories
>>>    of the WWII? Why are we affraid of a new Hittler? 

    The last big war and the last crazy fanatic caused so much hardship
    and so MANY needless deaths.  We try to remember history so that
    we can try to prevent a repeat.  The current generation did not
    live through all the horror of the last big war.  Korea and Vietnam
    were bad but most of America was shielded from it.  Most people
    lived World War II back then.
    
>>>The show must go on, 

    True, but those that ignore history tend to repeat it.
    
>>>    Nobody is affraid of wars in the XVII century.

    Back in the 17th century, they didn't have the weapons of mass and
    everlasting destruction.  Back then, some people thought it was
    an honor to go fight for their king or queen.  That's not true anymore.
    People nowadays question their leaders ideas and competence.  Remember
    how many people freaked out when Carter instituted selective service
    registration?  How many people will fight the draft if it were
    restored?  No one wants to go out and fight (and die) for a stupid
    reason.
    
    Back then, if someone got killed in a battle, you buried them and
    then continued.  Today, everyone can see up close what a dying person
    looks like on the battlefield.  Yes, it is bad.  No one should have
    to go through that.  The next big war will be the end of the human
    race.  Chemical and biological warfare will provide long and painful
    ways of dying, not to mention the fact that the effects will last
    a long time.  You won't be able to just move in and replace the
    lost population.  Nukes can destroy the entire infrastructure of
    a modern city (two nukes can take out all of metro NYC) in one instant.
    Ground zero will be unusable for decades.
    
    I have to worry about someone who is not worried about the possibility
    of war.  The weapons and battles are very glamorous, but history
    books tend to leave out all the suffering.

    B.
682.29The RCMP always get their manBRADOR::HATASHITASat Nov 11 1989 13:1111
    The RCMP have concluded that there are no grounds for charges to be
    laid against the author of the study described in .0.  Dr. Ruston of
    the University of Western Ontario is free to continue his study and to
    publish his work.  It's old news now and nobody in Canada seems to
    care. 
    
    I rest much easier knowing that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
    has the insight to discriminate between racism, bad science and idiots
    babbling.
    
    Kris
682.30 A Gazette report on same subject. BTOVT::BOATENG_KQ'BIKAL X'PANSIONS, Somatique VibsMon Nov 13 1989 19:5027
    From the Montreal Gazette --
    TORONTO:(CP) Prof. Philipe Rushton's controversial racial theories may be 
    "looney" but they're not criminal, Ontario Anttorney General Ian Scott
    said yesterday. Scott told news conference he won't charge Ruston with
    spreading false news or inciting hatred becuase there is "no prospect"
    the professor would be convicted. Scott said. "Loony but not criminal"
    Ruston, now on sabbatical from Univ of West. Ontario in London, sparked
    a controversy in Jan. when he presented his "theory of race".
    He says Orientals emerged last and are superior to whites.
       ( Gazette Nov. 4th 1989 )
    
    In that same issue of the Gazette there was an article about a Japanese
    member of the DIET (MP) who has just published a book in Japanese 
    saying the "colored peoples"  like the Japanese are going to gain world
    dominance through "superior technology".  He seems to be saying:
    "Look at what we've done, it's about time you considered colored people
     superior or at least equal" He's definitely craving for status that he
    thinks has been denied "colored peoples".
       
    Speaking of "loony" theories: In the 18th century Gustave Le Bon theorized 
    that  "women are the most inferior beings of the human species"
    He was considered an intellectual by some of his "peers".
    Madamme Curie from the same nation of France and the "species" won the
    Nobel Prize in Chemistry - not only that her daugther also later on won
    a nobel. ( I believe it was  in chemistry as well) That goes to show
    the validity of Gustave Le Bon's  "intelligent theories". 
    The idiocy of pseudo-intellectuals no doubt.  
682.31JAKES::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Mon Nov 13 1989 19:576
    re .30,
    
    By the way, Curie won two Nobel prices (one for physics and the
    other for chemistry).
    
    Eugene
682.32STKHLM::RYDENIt takes two to tangleTue Nov 14 1989 06:488
  <<< Note 682.30 by BTOVT::BOATENG_K "Q'BIKAL X'PANSIONS, Somatique Vibs" >>
    
>In the 18th century Gustave Le Bon theorize
    
    Minor nit:
    Should be 19th century...
    
    Bo
682.33Re. 682.0 - Rushton & his ilk revisited BTOVT::BOATENG_KGabh mo leithsceal, MuinteoirWed May 23 1990 20:3552
      Re.0
    
    ONTARIO. A professor known for his controversial theories has *failed an
    annual review of his *academic performance, a University of West. Ontario
    official says. 
    
    Philip Rushton was denied a pay increase - granted to all professors
    who have made progress in their work - as a result of the *evaluation 
    conducted by his academic peers, said T. Collins, academic
    vice-president at the Univ. of West. Ontario.
    
    "The work that he's done is.. <psuedo>science " said Collins on
    Thursday May, 17th 1990 in his office.  
    
     If Rushton, a psych-professor, gets another unsatisfactory rating this
     year, the university will be entitled to begin dismissal proceedings
     against him, Collins said.
                                (Montreal Gazette May 19th 1990)   
    
     There ! So much for the work of "brilliant scientists" !
     Bigots who manipulate xenophobic morons to achieve
     cheap popularity shall always perish in their "Berlin Bunkers". 
     This reminds us of Adolf Hitler who failed TWICE (maybe thrice) on 
     entrance examinations to the Vienna School of Fine Arts which goes
     to show that Hitler was academically a dunce but demonically brilliant.
     It's not surprising that this Rushton guy has flunked an academic 
     evaluation by his own peers. He was perhaps deflecting attention from
     his own intellectual inferiority by dumping on groups that
     traditionally have been victims of nazi inspired supremacist propaganda. 
     
      Re. >> Free Speech..>>
    
      A few years ago a German immigrant in Canada was jailed for
      three and half years for teaching his high school class that the
      pogroms of 1933  - 45 never happened. 
      He tried using a defense of "Free Speech .."  a higher court of
      appeals said "to heck with you and your spite-filled rantings" and jailed
      him. As usual the Albertan & Ontario anglo-supremacists defended
      the demonic bigot by quoting some obscure "Free Speech laws.." but
      it never worked for Jim Keegstra the bigot - he was put in jail.
    
               * There's some more to enter about Rushton & Keegstra  
                 if I can find the time. Don't be surprised to find out
                 that one of them is a child molester.
    
    
    In a classic work by Allport on Prejudice and behavior he stated that:
    "Only those who are at peace with themselves are capable of having an
     objective non-prejudiced view of others. Often times a neurotic hate
    of non-dominants maybe a mirrored reflection of self-hate.." 
                   That explains the Rushtons, Keegtras and their ilk. 
    
682.34Give me a breakMINAR::BISHOPWed May 23 1990 20:506
    "anglo-supremacists"?  "demonic bigot"?
    "obscure 'Free Speech laws..'"? "child molester"?
    
    Talk about spite-filled rantings!
    
    		-John Bishop
682.35In defense of..?BTOVT::BOATENG_KGabh mo leithsceal, MuinteoirWed May 23 1990 22:4636
    
    >> ..spite-filled rantings 
    
    About two months ago CKBY (FM Radio, Ottawa) in its 12 noon news break
    reported the complaints of a "True Canadian" who said:
    
    "I'm not a racist but our nation (Canada) which has been tranquil for
     centuries is now becoming more and more violent due to the emergence and
     mushrooming of Asian gangs, from Hong-Kong, China and the Far East" 
    
    Maybe someone is going to contact our brilliant prof. Rushton
    and have him conduct a research to confirm the beliefs of this fellow.
    
    A member of the dominant group (in this case an anglo-Canadian)
    singling out Asians as being responsible for violence in Canada is
    a clear indication of xenophobic spite-filled rantings.  
    
    Or.. as reported by the Mont.Gazette's column "Bouquets and Brikbats" 
    
    [A BRICKCBAT - To several anonymous callers to a phone-in radio show
    CHLT in Sherbrooke (Quebec province) for bigotry. Robert Libman,
    leader of the Equality Party, was the guest, and one caller told him,
    "You're a Jew, not an anglophone. How can you understand the history
    of French and English in Quebec ?" Another caller said,
    "My advice to him is to conduct his experiments in Isreal" 
             
    Mr Libman (a Montreal architect married to a Moroccan Francophone)
    is Jewish, whose mother tongue is English, was born and raised in
    Quebec, Canada as well as his parents. He's therefore Canadian like
    any other native born Canadian.  (M/Gazette April 28th 1990 page A2)
     
    Those callers who made the above statements are the ones who really
    engage in >> ..spite-filled rantings>> against non-dominant group members. 
    And that's what antilocution is all about, like Rushton & Keegstra's !
              
             NEXT ?
682.36Oh really ?BTOVT::BOATENG_KGabh mo leithsceal, MuinteoirWed May 23 1990 23:0210
    Re. 682.29  on Nov. 11th 1989 by BRADOR::HITASHITA
    
    >> It's old news and nobody in Canada seems to care.>> 
             
                         --?---
    
    NOBODY ? Except the bored reporters at the Montreal Gazette offices.
    AND T. Collins vice-president of academics at the Univ. of West. Ontario.                    
    AND those ambivalent about their identity who feel compelled to
    pander to dominants and advocates of supremacist notions.       ? 
682.37Are U applying for Minster of Controlled Thought?MILKWY::BUSHEEFrom the depths of shattered dreams!Thu May 24 1990 13:1728
    
    	RE: the last few.
    
    	So what do we do? Do we jail them all because they may feel
    	this and dare say it? 
    
    	If you don't feel something is right, do you feel you have a
    	right to speak it? Why you and not them, if the answer is yes?
    
    	What about instead of groups of people they speak against, if
    	it was style of government? What if they said that they feel
    	the government doesn't represtent people and should be replaced
    	with a new one that would? (Mind you, this example doesn't say
    	they are calling for any form of violence) Do you allow free speech
    	for some and denounce it for others?
    
    	You spoke your mind, should anyone that doesn't see things as you
    	did have the right to jail you because of it?
    
    	G_B
    
    	I may not like what you say and think it's bull, but as far as
    	that goes, my only recourse should be to state my reasons why
    	I object to your stance and try to show where it fails. Jailing
    	someone because they speak their mind, however hateful is setting,
    	IMO, a means to decry free speech (read as only allowed to speak
    	the party line, or else!).
    
682.38In defense of demonic bigots & molesters?I supposeBTOVT::BOATENG_KGabh mo leithsceal, MuinteoirThu May 24 1990 16:0017
    Re. 37
    
    >> So what do we do?">> 
    
    U and who ?  "WE" who ?
    
    This son of a 'roach hate-monger Jim Keegstra was jailed in accordance
    with CANADIAN LAWS. Mind you  Canada is also a free nation just like
    Alabama.  A private person spitting out spiteful venom in private 
    conversation with his like minded bigotted friends is NOT the same
    as a teacher in a Public School system in the Province of Alberta or
    a lecturer in a Provincial university in Ontario being paid with
    the money of all Canadians. Canada as a free nation has Hate Laws which
    may not apply in Alabama (in a different country).   
    
    BTW: What law books were you quoting from when you wrote note 682.37 ?
    
682.39Not in anyone defense, just want to know if free speech existsMILKWY::BUSHEEFrom the depths of shattered dreams!Thu May 24 1990 16:4113
    
    	Ah, now I see. You only have free speech behind closed doors
    	where no one else can hear you!!!!  If you say it in public,
    	then you MUST use the standard party line??
    
    	Really, Is that how "free speech" is defined in Canada?
    
    	BTW, unless you were throwing a cheap shot my way, what did I
    	write that makes you think I tried to quote LAW? And, if it
    	were a cheap shot, well like they say, everyone has an @&&^^@&!
    	and they all stink!!
    
    	G_B
682.40HPSTEK::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Thu May 24 1990 18:5321
re .38:
    
    I don't think .37 was defending anything other than the
    principle of free speech as defined by the U.S. Constitution (as
    intepreted by the U.S. Supreme Court).  Neither was .37 trying to
    impose the U.S. concept of free speech on Canada.  He was just
    exercizing his right of free speech (protected in the United States
    where he currently resides) to voice his disapproval of the 
    way Canada handles the "loonies".  
    
    I too find the view of the "loonies" highly offensive, but that does 
    not give me the right to jail the "loonies" for expressing their views.  
    It is really the old "I do not agree with you, but I will defend to 
    death your right to express your view" principle.  Why do I want to 
    do that, you may ask.  I do that because I want to make sure that I 
    will not be put in jail some day for the reason of, say, liking broccoli.
                       
    Anyway, I don't think this debate belong here.  Maybe SOAPBOX is a more
    appropriate place?
    
    Eugene
682.41 Yep, I remember that 1 (ONE) too..BTOVT::BOATENG_KGabh mo leithsceal, MuinteoirThu May 24 1990 20:1026
    Re. 37
    
    >> Do you allow free speech for some and denounce it for others..?"
    
    >>Do you>> Who are the "YOU" ? 
    
    I've nothing to do with the laws. I was not the one who posted the
    original note. So why are you asking (ME?)
    Or perhaps you are referring to the co-mods who have the *POWER* to
    determine what is "inflammatory semantics" and what's not ?  Ask them. 
    
    Re. 40  >> Free Speech and the US Constitution
    
    AMENDMENT 1 (ONE).
    
    [ Congress shall make no laws respecting an establishment...prohibiting
      the free exercise..or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press
      or the right of the people to peaceably to assemble, and to petition 
       the Government for redress of grievances.]  There !
    
          Ratified on Dec. 15th 1791 
    
    BTW: It seems weird that nobody has commented on the academic 
         evaluation of this Rushton guy as reported by the Gazette in .33
         but some people are getting overly excited about free speech and
         where it can be found etc.. Why ?
682.42HPSTEK::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Thu May 24 1990 20:5016
re: .41,    
>    BTW: It seems weird that nobody has commented on the academic 
>         evaluation of this Rushton guy as reported by the Gazette in .33
>         but some people are getting overly excited about free speech and
>         where it can be found etc.. Why ?
    
    That is because this note is called "Racism or Free Speach?"  And
    people around here believe that even racists (no matter how offensive
    their views are to you and me) are entitled to the right of free
    speech.   As to what I think about this Rushton guy...  As I understand
    it, this guy has never been to China or Japan or India.  He based
    his study on, what do you know, a few affluent Asians who could
    afford to immigrate to Canada.  As we all know Canada (as well as U.S.)
    has immigration policy that favors the professional and the rich.  As
    far as I am concerned, Rushton's "study" has lost all its credibility.
    Eugene 
682.43DUGGAN::RONSat May 26 1990 02:3217
Re: .42

>    people around here believe that even racists (no matter how offensive
>    their views are to you and me) are entitled to the right of free
>    speech.

I wonder how these people would react if the person they believe is 
entitled to free speech publicly advocated killing them off and 
using their hair for stuffing pillows.

If such 'free speech' actually led to mass extermination of these
people, they would probably change their point of view (if not
immediately preceding the extermination, then during). 

-- Ron

682.45Answer to .43MINAR::BISHOPTue May 29 1990 19:2111
    The ACLU routinely defends Nazis, who often state explictly
    that they would jail and execute people like the ACLU members
    if they had the power to do so.
    
    I've had people tell me I should be deprived of my right to
    vote because I'm not a Christian.  I don't want any law passed
    to prevent such people from talking and preaching.
    
    So I guess the answer is "they don't change their minds".
    
    			-John Bishop
682.46DUGGAN::RONTue May 29 1990 21:2610
Re: .45

>    So I guess the answer is "they don't change their minds".

Well, as I said: "they would probably change their point of view
(if not immediately preceding the extermination, then during).". 

-- Ron

682.47Not entirely "free" speech. . .LUNER::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesWed May 30 1990 15:1734
682.48Tyrant du Jour ??AHIKER::EARLYBob Early, Transmission Products SupportWed May 30 1990 15:4819
re: Note 682.45 by MINAR::BISHOP >>>
                               -< Answer to .43 >-

>The ACLU routinely defends Nazis, who often state explictly

    On a first  reading,  this offended me, but then i realized only one
    case is being offered.    I beleive it would be more accurate to say
    that the ACLU (American Civil  Liberties  Union)  routinely  defends
    people to protect their civil liberties.

>that they would jail and execute people like the ACLU members
>if they had the power to do so.
    
    Hmm this is an old one.    It'll never stop until the last tyrant is
    dead. Who defines who as the 'Tyrant de jour' ??  ;^)
    
>-John Bishop

    -BobE
682.49An unanswered qhuston ..BTOVT::BOATENG_KReact ? No ! Respond ? Maybe ?Fri Jun 01 1990 03:3323
    Re. 682.29  on Nov. 11th 1989 by BRADOR::HITASHITA
    
    >> It's old news and nobody in Canada seems to care.>> 
             
                         --?---
    
    NOBODY ? Except the bored reporters at the Montreal Gazette offices.
    AND T. Collins vice-president of academics at the Univ. of West. Ontario.                    
    AND those ambivalent about their identity who feel compelled to
    pander to dominants and advocates of supremacist notions.       ? 
    
    Why is the one who posted the basenote being reticent ?
    He gave us an update in .29 but he never gave us the update-in-the-news
    about the unsatifactory evaluation of the academic performance of the
    Rushton guy.  Why ? Is he still a reader of H_R or what ?
    
    Also why is that he never cross-posted the same note in the CANADA
    notesfile ? 
    One of the recent notes stated "..in our country the law..etc"
    How are the rest of us supposed to know which nation he/she is referring
    to? If the basenote was cross-posted in CANADA the noters who are more
    familiar with Canadian laws could have debated it better. I think. 
    
682.50BRADOR::HATASHITAFri Jun 01 1990 12:3221
    Yes, still read H_R.
    
>        Re. 682.29  on Nov. 11th 1989 by BRADOR::HITASHITA
    
>    >> It's old news and nobody in Canada seems to care.>> 
    
    This is the second time you've posted this quote.  I was reflecting
    on the point that, like everything else which the media grabs, it
    was just a flash in the pan of the Canadian media.  It was therefore
    a flash in the pan of the the Canadian psyche.
    
    I didn't post the base note to direct intolerance nor study the
    nature of hatred nor to exam Canadian laws.  I was hoping to get
    feedback on the fine boundary between freedom to express and freedom
    to distort.
    
    If you feel that strongly about it; and the spite ridden spewage you've
    posted in here indicate that you do, then why don't you post it in the
    Canada notes file.
    
    Kris 
682.51You started the WHOLE thing..Remember ?BTOVT::BOATENG_KReact ? No ! Respond ? Maybe ?Fri Jun 01 1990 18:583
    Re. 50
    
    You are the one who started the basenote so why don't you DO IT ?
682.52LUNER::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesFri Jun 01 1990 20:0620
682.53Yep No Original Intent, just Free Speech !BTOVT::BOATENG_KReact ? No ! Respond ? Maybe ?Fri Jun 01 1990 23:4414
    
    Transparent rationalizations in defense of Rushtonian apologists for
    demonic bigotry ?  I hope not. 
    
        >> angry.. Must be referring to the noter's last note which
        sounded like something from  a wounded dragon ? 
        [ A case of mote-beam projection eh ?]
    
     * I thought that no one can repost an original note except the
       original noter.  Is there an electronic distance between Canada
       notesfile and H_R to require "legwork" ?
    
       Also what if the basenoter was specifically interested in
       certain feedback, hence skipping Canada(where it happened) and....?
682.54HPSTEK::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Sat Jun 02 1990 02:0528
re .43

>If such 'free speech' actually led to mass extermination of these
>people, they would probably change their point of view (if not
>immediately preceding the extermination, then during). 

>-- Ron

    One way to make sure that the fringe ideas of the "loonies" 
    do not lead to "mass extermination" is to ensure the integrity of the 
    Constitution (particularly the bill of rights).  That means to protect 
    the free expression of all views, even the very fringe ideas that are 
    extremely offensive to both you and me.
    
    Anyway, I am not a scholar on the Constitution and am not in a position
    to judge what is and what is not protected by the First Amendment.
    that is a job for the Supreme Court.  I also think Steve is right 
    that inciting violence is not protected under the First Amendment.  
    I believe it was Oliver Wendell Holmes who wrote something like 
    "Shouting fire in a crowded theater is protected under the First 
    Amendment, but shouting fire in a crowded theater and causing a 
    riot is not protected by the First Amendment".  
    
    Finally, I am sure you would agree that such "mass extermination" 
    could never occur as long as the integrity of the Constitution is 
    preserved?
    
    Eugene                                                                 
682.55Once more...BRADOR::HATASHITASat Jun 02 1990 20:2013
    re. .51
    
    Like Steve says in .52, the basenote is not about Rushton, Canada, nor
    racism.  It's about the basis and the limit of the form of human
    interaction which we call free speech. 
    
    If you wish to get yourself worked up because I'm not about to post the
    base note in the Canada notes file, that's your perogative. But quit
    with the derogatory insinuations about my motives for not complying
    with an irrational request.  I'm starting to feel embarrassed for
    you.
    
    Kris  
682.56DUGGAN::RONSat Jun 02 1990 22:1447
Re: .54

>    One way to make sure that the fringe ideas of the "loonies" 
>    do not lead to "mass extermination" is to ensure the integrity of the 
>    Constitution (particularly the bill of rights).

Even accepting your premise, I am sure you are aware that there are
many forces at work to repeal portions of the constitution
(specifically, those pertaining to human rights). 

While these forces of evil (pathos here is not intentional  :-), but
I really don't know how to refer to them otherwise) have some
plausible reasons as to why this is good for us, I can't help but
wonder what's in store for you and I if this comes to pass. While
'mass extermination' seems remote in 1990's USA, it also seemed
remote in 1937's Germany. 

Hitler and his regime committed the most atrocious crimes in
history. As far as I can tell, they represent the only example in
history where mass murder was mechanized and industrialized to
conveyer-belt efficiency. This, coupled with blood curdling Sadism
as a norm of society and the utilization of human bodies --both
before and after death-- as a resource. 

As a result, any talk that smacks of **that** frame of mind seems
very dangerous to me. Dangerous, not just to a Jew, but also to any
human being, whether he be black, Hispanic, Oriental, or --under
certain scenarios-- a WASP. The same way Jews were convenient in
Germany, that human being could be convenient to the 'loonies on the
fringe'. The same way the 'loonies on the fringe' became 'main
stream' then, they could easily become so here and now. 

So, should we allow them to talk this way, because they have the
right to 'free speech'? Those who say 'yes', probably do not realize
the ramifications. This is NOT a question of 'the free expression of
all views, even the very fringe ideas that are extremely offensive
to both you and me.'. It's an invitation to the events that could
easily follow. 

That's why I think not. They do not have the right to yell "fire" in
a crowded theater. They also do not have the right to incite others
to commit a crime. Any crime. Including, harming a member of a
minority group. 

-- Ron

682.57re. 56BRADOR::HATASHITASat Jun 02 1990 22:5122
    We get back to the argument of what shade of grey is dark.  Who
    judges what utterance or publication is harmful.  Who judges what
    is meant by harmful.
    
    I could cite the rantings of prime-time preachers as generating
    malice when they say things like "Jesus hates the fornicators."
    A person a few bricks shy could interpret that as being reason enough
    to hate fornicators.  In fact, if Jesus hates fornicators then maybe
    we can cure all the world's ills by sending those darned fornicators
    to hell.  While we're at it, let's get all those heathen Moslems,
    Jews, coloured folk, Budhists, gays, Hari Krishnas, punk rockers
    and Yuppies.
    
    I think that's frightening.  And not because I fall into more than one
    of those categories.  But Reverend Angely and Jimmy "The John" Swaggart
    get rich tax free.
    
    Is that right?  In the end, I have to say yes, because the alternative
    is much worse.
    
    Kris 
682.58HPSTEK::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Sun Jun 03 1990 21:3555
Re: .56

>Even accepting your premise, I am sure you are aware that there are
>many forces at work to repeal portions of the constitution
>(specifically, those pertaining to human rights). 

And I hope you are not among the ones doing that (i.e. eroding the First 
Amendment etc).

>While these forces of evil (pathos here is not intentional  :-), but
>I really don't know how to refer to them otherwise) have some
>plausible reasons as to why this is good for us, I can't help but
>wonder what's in store for you and I if this comes to pass. While
>'mass extermination' seems remote in 1990's USA, it also seemed
>remote in 1937's Germany. 

Look at the first thing the Nazi's did after taking power.  They suspended
the freedom of speech and replaced the free media with Gobbel's propaganda
machine.  To carry out their evil deeds, the Nazi's supressed the 
freedom of speech.  The atrocities against the Jews and other nationals 
could not have happened had the freedom of speech and press been
upheld (It would have been impossible for the Nazi's to commit
such hideous crime if there had been network camera crews running around).

>As a result, any talk that smacks of **that** frame of mind seems
>very dangerous to me. Dangerous, not just to a Jew, but also to any
>human being, whether he be black, Hispanic, Oriental, or --under
>certain scenarios-- a WASP. 

You are right.  They are dangerous.  The way to deal with that is to 
speak up against such demagogue.  Censorship is not the way to go.  
Censorship is even more dangerous because whenever one undermines 
the principle of free speech (even for a good cause), one invariably 
erodes the nation's reverence in such principle, and over time (especially 
during time of economic distress) this can lead to the very evil we are trying 
to prevent.

>So, should we allow them to talk this way, because they have the
>right to 'free speech'? Those who say 'yes', probably do not realize
>the ramifications. This is NOT a question of 'the free expression of
>all views, even the very fringe ideas that are extremely offensive
>to both you and me.'. It's an invitation to the events that could
>easily follow. 

I may be wrong, but no nation has ever committed any crimes 
against humanity (e.g. genocide against the Jews) when the
freedom of speech and of press is protected in that nation.  
Rather it was in Nazi Germany where freedom of speech and press
were completely suppressed, such heinous crime was committed.

Freedom of speech (as well as the rest of the bill of rights) is there to
protect the rights of the minorities.  When we protect               
other people's right to free speech, we protect ours.

Eugene             
682.59EARRTH::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesMon Jun 04 1990 13:3398
682.60Maybe this is of some help.HPSTEK::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Mon Jun 04 1990 18:088
re .59
>    All in all, I feel a good deal of heat in your comments, but
>    precious little light.

Well, I heard on PBS that folks up north are getting upset over 
something called the Meech Lake Accord.

Eugene
682.61 Re. The original author of basenote.BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirTue Jun 05 1990 03:3729
     Note 682.7 by BRADOR::HITASHITA
    
   >> re .6
    
   >> The Nazi (although the man never claimed to be one) may have actually
   >> believed what he was preaching.  Can we really know?  
    
     ( And the Montreal Gazatte issue of May 19th has told us where this
       rushton guy is coming from. He flunked a review of his academic
       performance by his own peers.) 
        
   >> The frightening part of the entire issue was that, because of the
   >> amount of press this person had recieved, he had gathered a following
   >> by the time he came to trial.  Had the press written him off as
   >> a wing-nut and not followed his trial in detail he would have been slated
   >> for oblivion
    
   >> The part which has me sitting on a fence is that all through history
   >> people with strange and often idiotic theories have been persecuted.
   >> But some of them were actually right (Galilleo, Copernicus, spherical
   >> Earthers).  Not to say that the Nazi may be right, but he does have
   >> a right to believe whatever he wants.  Does he have a right to say
    it?
    
        >> has me sitting on a fence >>
       
                                        Becuase you posted the basenote ?
    
                                         
682.62 Just a question .BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirTue Jun 05 1990 03:5216
    Re. Note 682.55 by BRADOR::HITASHITA
    
    >>..the basenote is not about Rushton, Canada, nor racism..
    
    There seem to be a need for conflict resolution here !
    
    Who reported and started the basenote ?  
                                             BRADOR::HITASHITA
    
    
    Why was rushton's "research" used as the foundation for the basenote ?
    
    What if the topic had just been started like..
    
    "What is Free Speech according to the 1st Amendment of the US Const.?"
    
682.63Racism Or Free Speech... ? Who knows ?BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirTue Jun 05 1990 04:0326
    
    Re. 633.0
    
   >> I have to do a presentation for my class. 
                      
   If the elimination of out-group discrimination depended soley on debunking                            
   racist prejudicial doctrine, such discrimination would disappear in just one
   generation. But as the history of racial doctrine suggests, belief in its
   claims does not rest soley on inadequate knowledge of its objective error
   but *MOSTLY in the desire of the  bigot to believe it. No amount of
   presentations from you  can change those who are determined to
   stick by their prejudices. Also education or "smarts" have little to do with
   bigotry. Simply becuase: "you don't have to be a dummy to be a bigot.."
                
                The psychological benefits of being bigotted.
                 ----------------------------------------------     
   John Dollard in an observation in  "Caste/Race..in a S.Town" stated: 
  [ The third gain accuring to the  -supremacist caste was, ego gratification.
    
     [Embedded in the racial psyche of racist bigots is the preoccupation 
    with face-saving and self-justification, which are probably born of deep,
    mostly not conscious but also not bearable, doubts of their position..... 
                           
         (This should explain part of the Rushtonian Agenda ?)   
   
                  Just a question for those who may know .
682.64where in the world did all this anger come from?SKYLRK::OLSONPartner in the Almaden Train Wreck!Tue Jun 05 1990 04:5411
    Are you enjoying talking to yourself, Boateng_K?  The notes you're
    quoting were written months and months ago.  Your tone is arrogant and
    angry, and to all the silent readers your emotionalism towards Kris
    is 1) not responsive to his original questions, so you're off-topic and
    2) disregarding his disinclination to pursue the tangent, so you're rude.
    
    I mean, these notes over the last few weeks look like they came out
    of left field!  What's the point?  Do you imagine that you're owed 
    an answer?  
    
    DougO
682.65Meech Lake (over) simplifiedOTOU01::BUCKLANDand things were going so well...Tue Jun 05 1990 13:4229
682.66FRSBEE::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesTue Jun 05 1990 14:026
    re: .62, for one
    
    His name is Kris Hatashita (not Hitashita).
                                     ^
    
    Steve
682.67 Next: What is Antilocution ?BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirWed Jun 06 1990 04:2739
    Re. 682.59 by EARRTH::MALLETT
    
    >> Free Speech..Caution..etc..>>
    
    Where were you when THEY needed you ?
    
    Another way a person reveals bias/bigotry is by demanding a different
    standard of performance from certain ones, though giving them less 
    recognition. Or he/she may condemn in one ethno-racial group conduct
    that he/she *frequently tolerates in his own clique. Yet, such a person
    would fiercely resent any suggestion that he/she is biased/bigotted.
    
    Since this topic is about "Free Speech & Racism or Free Speech" 
    I would like to add that for those of us who are not atheistic pagans
    we may want to reference  Psalm 36:2 or Romans 12:9 & 10. - We who are
    believers are encouraged to be true and sincere to our convictions
    reiterated in the American creed further enshrined in the democratic
    principles highly valued by great leaders like B. Franklin & J. Adams.
    
         EARRTH::MALLETT speak on behalf of all who need to be defended 
        not just Kris' "pet issue of free speech.." so far you've not
        said anything about what Ron's notes have been saying. Why ?
    The basenote is titled "Racism or Free Speech" if you want to do 
    critical thinking based on objective facts stand up and be counted on
    the other half of the topic too.
    
    
    Re. >> What is mote-beam projection >>
    
    The mote-beam mechanism might be defined as the process of exaggerating
    qualities in other people which both they and we all possess, though we 
    may not realize that we possess them.
    Mote-beam projection, then is a kind of "perceptual accentuation" 
    
    If you are upset, Kris is ego-bruised and the other noter .64 is angry
    then why are you wondering about noter .61 who is concerned about the spread
    of satanic inspired demonic stereotypes masquerading as research ?
               
         Free Speech ? Yes ! Antilocution ? No !
682.68 Free Speech &/Or Bigotry ?BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirWed Jun 06 1990 04:4291
              <<< KAOSWS::$1$DUA3:[NOTES$LIBRARY]CANADA.NOTE;1 >>>
                  -< CANADA - The True North Strong and Free >-
================================================================================
Note 264.69                  Language Inequality                     69 of 124
BTOVT::BOATENG_K "Keine freien proben !"            132 lines   2-MAR-1990 23:35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RE:Note .66 by Scoo.  The following is  an explanation and example of
ANTILOCUTION:  A headline from The Montreal Gazette issue of March 4th 1989.

     "ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPERS SHOW ANTI-FRENCH BIAS: ( BASHING du Jour) 
 
           A non-dictionary definition of ANTILOCUTION                                                     
           ---------------------------------------------
 What people actually do in relation to groups they hate is not always directly 
 related to what they say about such hated groups(publicly). Sometimes the hater
 forgets himself and let it slip unconsciously -> The Freudian Slip .
 It is true that any negative attitude tends to somehow, somewhere, to express
 itself in action. Few people keep their antipathies entirely to themselves.
 The more INTENSE the ATTITUDE, the more likely it is to result in frequent
 degrading bashing of the hated group.  ( This should explain why some people
 are more prone to bash the Francos &  minorities than others.) 

 ANTILOCUTION:
               Most people who have prejudices talk about their biases with
like-minded bigotted friends. Occasionally they may express their antagonism
freely with strangers. But many people never go beyond this degree of 
antipathetic action. 

AVERSION:
          If the prejudice is MORE INTENSE, it leads the individual to avoid 
          the hated group.  This means that if the hated group is being 
          sadistically ridiculed, bashed, degraded, dumped on,...the aversive
          bigot will be oblivious to the pain of the hated group.

An example: It was reported in the Feb.24th 1990 issue of the Gazette
                   that a Francophone employee in Sault Ste Marie who previously
                   ate lunch with fellow workers who are anglophones 
                   was all of a sudden being shuned by those he thought were his
                   friends.  Why ?  It's got to be the antilocution factor.
                   It happened after the unilingual law was passed in the Sa.StM
 
                   

DISCRIMINATION:
               Here the prejudiced person makes detrimental distinctions of
               an active sort. He/she undertakes to exclude *most members of the
               hated group in question from certain types of social privileges.
               
ATTACK:
         Under conditions of heightened emotions his/her prejudices will lead to
         acts of verbal violence or hostility in the form of intimidation by
         using hate appeals to degrade the minorities and to gain the support
         of like minded bigotted members of the dominant group.  

         A book written by a member of the "Alliance of..English" entitled:
         "Bilingualism Today, French Tomorrow" written by a guy named
         J.V. Andrews was described by a Francophone who was familiar
         with the contents as, "This is the vilest racist, trash you ever
         want to read.."  Why ? Becuase s/pages of the book make degrading
         remarks  about Francophones - quoted: "Quebec families are breeding
         units. The auto helped to speed..delivery to their drinking taverns.."
     (Free Speech ?  Or Inciting to hate non-dominants ?)
                      
[ The following is from page 15 of ISBN 0-201-00179-9: 

While many people would never move from antilocution to hostile persecution
of the hated group....still IT IS TRUE that activity on one level makes 
transition to a more intense level easier. 
It was Hitler's  antilocution  that led <MOST> Germans to avoid their
Jewish neighbors and erstwhile friends. This preparation made it easier 
to enact the Nurnberg laws of discrimination which in turn made the subsequent
<physical attacks> seem natural.]
                                    
   Example in "Mein Kampf" Hitler wrote:
             
    "...I detest the conglomeration of races..Jews and more Jews.."
          (Free Speech Or Promoting Hatred towards hated groups ?)
        
  The Francophone Experience in Anglophone Canada:
  ------------------------------------------------
From, June 28th 1989 issue of the M/Gazette an article culled from the
Southam News by Mike Trickey )

...the day to day discrimination <faced by Francophones> is..seen in a post
   office (as an example) Where the English speaking clerk in Pickering, Ont.
   hopes to improve the Francophone customer's English by shouting ever louder
   at him. Or it's at the downtown Toronto bank where the English speaking  
   teller informs a Francophone customer who has written her cheque in French
    that, "You Are Now In Canada" - translated to mean <parlez blanc?>
    A bigotted sarcastic speech ? Or a sadistic sense of humor ? 
    
682.69QUIVER::STEFANIYou better get hype boy, cause you know...Wed Jun 06 1990 13:4625
    re: -.67
    
    Having worked in a customer service department for a few years, I agree
    that the teller was way off base in her comment.  Regardless of how she
    felt inside, she should have said, "I'm sorry, but this bank will not
    accept any check that is written in any language other than English." 
    This would have sufficed, and if the customer had a problem with the
    bank's policy, she could then take it up with the manager. 
    
    A lot of people are hurt because of flippant, senseless,
    unprofessional, and demeaning comments.  Despite upbringing and
    personal attitudes, people in general should rise above this
    level of bigotry and try to at least be courteous.  These
    attitudes take a long time (and many generations) to die out, but it
    has to begin somewhere. 
    
    I don't have any clear-cut answers.  I'm becoming more and more
    accustomed to the idea that everyone has biases and a degree of prejudism
    towards different groups, however subtle or slight.  Maybe by thinking
    more about what to say, before saying it, and realizing that we are all
    one on this planet, we can overcome these human shortcomings and
    develop into a more loving and caring people.
    
       - Larry
                                                                    
682.70EARRTH::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesWed Jun 06 1990 14:43138
682.71Maybe this will put out the incandescent fire.HPSTEK::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Wed Jun 06 1990 17:129
    re .60 and the ones following that.
    
    See I was right.  Some folks up north are upset about the Meech Lake
    Accord and channeling his/her/their anger in this note.  Wow! what a
    great psychologist I am.  What a GENIUS (says Roger Rabbit)!  And I am
    going to appoint myself the resident counselor the H_R notesfile
    desparately needs.
    
    Eugene
682.72Anger's from the southOTOU01::BUCKLANDand things were going so well...Wed Jun 06 1990 19:0718
682.73HPSTEK::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Wed Jun 06 1990 19:133
    re .72,
    But of course I didn't mean you Bob.  wasn't it obvious?
    Eugene
682.74Is this what it is?BRADOR::HATASHITAWed Jun 06 1990 19:3545
    It just struck me.  I raised the question of the fine line between
    the freedon to express and the freedom to distort and BOATENG_K
    has been demonstrating how easy it is to cross back and forth (and
    back and forth and back and...) over that fine line.
    
    As examples:
    
    >    I would like to add that for those of us who are not atheistic pagans

    The term "atheistic pagan" is a distortion invented to inflame "true
    believers" (another distortion, by the way).  An atheist is not
    a pagan, nor is a pagan an atheist.  It's a term derived by the
    juxtaposition of two terms which, for some reason inspire fear and
    loathing in those that count themselves amonst the "love thine enemy"
    devout.
    
    >        not just Kris' "pet issue of free speech.." so far you've not

    Another distortion.  Free speech is not a "pet issue" with me. 
    I've entered notes on racism, the meaning of life, attitudes towards
    the poor, the irrelevance of marriage...

    >    If you are upset, 
    
    I don't think Steve was upset.
    
    >Kris is ego-bruised 
    
    I'm afraid the term you're looking for is closer to rib tickled.
     More deception, more distortion.
    
    Furthermore: your constant satanic references to persons who hold
    different views must have the late Ayatollah grinning in his grave.
    
    I can only conclude that, in the absense of any coherent reasoning
    in the notes you've posted here, you're demonstrating your freedom
    to distort and direct hatred as an example of how ugly it can really
    get.
    
    As bizarre and as offensive as your postings have been, I still can't
    bring myself to believe that we'd be better off censoring your replies.
    
    Thanks for the demo.
    
    Kris 
682.75 Re. 74BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirWed Jun 06 1990 23:4727
    
    
    Re. 74 and .70   
    
       Can Nazi concentration camp victims be accused of hating the Gestapo?
    
Re:53 
>> I spoke up and was told that I am soaked with hatred >>  It sounds like ...

DIRECT PROJECTION - A means of solving one's conflict by ascribing to another
person or others  motives, emotions, and behavior that **actually** belong to 
the person who projects them, and **not** the person who is blamed for them.
Suppose there are unwanted traits in oneself - perhaps greed, bigotry....
What the sufferer needs is a caricature of these attributes - as simon-pure 
incarnation of those evils. The person needs something so extreme that 'e
might not suspect the -self of being guilty. So what a "brilliant" way (sleazy)
than to use such & such label on a powerless, defenseless out-group member/s ! 
The protective significance of the device is evident: it is a mind-soothing
falsity.  That probably explains why the noter/s might have said that. The
conflicting inner hate have not been exorcised out of the individual/s yet,
hence the projection. Who are blamed most - victims or the victimizers ?
    
    Re. 74 >> ...we'd be better >>  "WE" referring to who?  
      Talk about conflicting statements.
       BRADOR::HATASHITA what you've said to explain your intent for the
      basenote seem to be pure Defensive Rationalizations. 
      Let's cut the abstractions and begin dealing in realisms !
682.76 Re. Once again .BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirWed Jun 06 1990 23:5117
    Re. Note 682.55 by BRADOR::HATASHITA
    
    >>..the basenote is not about Rushton, Canada, nor racism..
    
    There seem to be a need for conflict resolution here !
    
    Who reported and started the basenote ?  
                                             BRADOR::HATASHITA
    
    
    Why was rushton's "research" used as the foundation for the basenote ?
    
    What if the topic had just been started like..
    
    "What is Free Speech according to the 1st Amendment of the US Const.?"
    
             What about this ? You forgot to answer ?
682.77EARRTH::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesThu Jun 07 1990 00:4529
682.79Now back to the topic "Free Speech or.." whatever!BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirThu Jun 07 1990 03:447
    Re. 682.69 by QUIVER::STEFANI
    
    Amen !  Free Speech that promotes better ethno-racial human relations
            can be used by all.
    
    "Free speech" that is  basically antilocution/bashing is what let
    to the pograms beginning with Adolf's Mein Kampf. 
682.80EARRTH::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesThu Jun 07 1990 20:0339
    re: .79 (BTOVT::BOATENG_K)
    
    Once again you're putting forth the idea of "good free speech" (i.e.
    ". . .promotes better ethno-racial human relations") and "bad free
    speech" (i.e. "antilocution/bashing").
    
    Some questions for you:
    
    Who decides which is "good" and which is "bad"?  What gives them
    the right to make such decisions for all of society?
    
    How do you propose to determine "good"ness and "bad"ness?  And
    here I mean very specifically what objective rules do you intend
    to use to judge a particular person's words?
    
    Do you propose any limits to "free" speech?  For example, if "I"
    somehow have determined by your rules that "you" are a bigot, do
    I have the right to write false statements about you?  Do I have
    the right to exhort others to harm you in some way?
    
    What do you propose to do about those who commit some sort of
    "bad free speech"?  
    
    And I'll give you an example to work with:
    
    	I am a devout believer in my faith and belong to a particular
    	sect of that faith which has a worldwide recognition and 
    	following.  In reading the sacred documents of that faith,
    	I come to the honest conclusion that certain groups should
    	live separately.  My conclusion is that is how "God" intended
    	things to be and it's this way of living that would promote
    	the maximum harmony in this world.  I stand at podium in the
    	meeting hall of my religious group and I state my beliefs.
    
    	What do you intend to do about me?  Will you have me legally
    	silenced?
    
    Steve
    
682.81Now back to the topic: "Free Speech or ..?"BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirThu Jun 07 1990 20:4735
    Re. Note 682.0 by BRADOR::HATASHITA
    
    >> A recent study and report by a professor at the University of Western
    >> Ontario has created a public outcry in Canada..
    
     Why 'cuz...?
    
     The most obvious way to butress one's biases and therefore preserve
     them from conflict with societal ethical values, is to marshall 
     "evidence" in their favor. Here the individual engages in selective
     perception and selective forgetting. He may persuade himself that this
     "evidence" is conclusive.
     Rationilization is at work so long as the individual selects his
     evidence to bolster a categorical overgeneralization. 
    
     PERCECPTUAL SELECTIVITY to confirm a hypothesis already formed is the
     commonest form of Defensive Rationalization. 
    
     (This Rushton guy's "research" is one of those where the individual
     first forms a HYPOTHESIS then goes out to collect data to form a
     theory. ) ?
    
    
     RATIONALIZATION:            
                   Rationalization does not mean "to act rationally" it
    means assigning socially desirable motives to what we do so that we
    seem to have acted rationally or properly, it provides the individual
    with acceptable motives for a behavior.
                       
               Questions for those who may know.
    
                        What method did he use to collect the data ?
    
                        How many persons were studied for his research ? 
    
682.82EARRTH::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesThu Jun 07 1990 20:5915
    re: BTOVT::BOATENG_K (several)
    
    You continue to use the reply title "Now back to the topic. . ."
    yet, from all I can see, you continue to try to re-direct the
    topic.  And for some reason you have thus far refused to answer
    those questions asked directly to you which *do* address the
    topic.  I begin to think there's a major communication breakdown 
    here.
    
    I ask you here to please state, in one simple sentence, exactly
    what you think Kris intended the topic of discussion to be.
    
    Steve
    
    
682.83 Re. 82BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirSat Jun 09 1990 02:3845
Re.0
    
>>Another incident in Canada involved a man who published and distributed
>>pamphlets which claimed that the Holocaust of Nazi Germany never occurred and
>>that it was dreamed up by an international Jewish conspiracy in order to
>>establish Israel. The man was charged with inspiring hatred towards a specific
>>ethnic group and jailed. 
    
    About the case..
    
    [ A immigrant to Canada from Europe Jim Keegstra was prosecuted for..
    
      "Knowingly Publishing False Information Which Was Likely to Cause
       Harm To Social or Racial Tolerance" by denying that the Holocaust
       ever happened, reported  The Globe and Mail of Toronto, Canada.
       The result was a 15-month jail sentence and a ban on the publication
       of his revisionist views of the Holocaust. ]
    
    Re.0 >>Again I found myself sitting on a fence. 

    I'm not sitting on a fence about this case. The guy was convicted
    for "publishing & distribution of harmful disinformation" .
    This (in my opinion) is beyond the limits of free speech. 
    The Ist Amendment of the US (as an example) does not protect those who buy
    or distribute child pornography. Because child pornography promotes
    child molestation. "Free Speech/Press laws" do not apply in this case.
    
    Jim Keegstra was convicted under Canadian laws, so how can anyone use
    US Ist Amendment - Free Speech laws to defend him ? 
    
    Rushton was not jailed. ( I've reported this in note. ref. 682.30) .
    If in the future it's found out that he concocted his data in a kitchen
    then perhaps he will face the law under a different set of charges.  
   
    :MALLETT does it answer your question about my opinion on
    Free Speech laws ?
    
        
     Re.682.6 >> The basenote deals with three separate topics.>>
                
                                ----              
    This is exactly what I have been saying. MALLETT since you seem
    to be explaining everything for :HATASHITA  would you like to
    explain what the first sentence of note .6 is saying ?
     
682.84LUNER::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesSun Jun 10 1990 17:42139
682.85Are you for real?BRADOR::HATASHITASun Jun 10 1990 23:3193
682.86Think of the *Ramifications* beyond f.p.abstractsBTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirWed Jun 13 1990 04:4134
 Re. 56
    

>> While these forces of evil (pathos here is not intentional  :-), but
>> I really don't know how to refer to them otherwise) have some
>> plausible reasons as to why this is good for us, I can't help but
>> wonder what's in store for you and I if this comes to pass. While

>> Hitler and his regime committed the most atrocious crimes in
>> history. As far as I can tell, they represent the only example in
>> history where mass murder was mechanized and industrialized to
>> conveyer-belt efficiency. This, coupled with blood curdling Sadism
>> as a norm of society and the utilization of human bodies --both
>> before and after death-- as a resource. 

>> As a result, any talk that smacks of **that** frame of mind seems
>> very dangerous to me. Dangerous, not just to a Jew, but also to any
>> human being, whether he be black, Hispanic, Oriental, or --under
>> certain scenarios-- a WASP. The same way Jews were convenient in
>> Germany, that human being could be convenient to the 'loonies on the
>> fringe'. The same way the 'loonies on the fringe' became 'main
>> stream' then, they could easily become so here and now. 

>> So, should we allow them to talk this way, because they have the
>> right to 'free speech'? Those who say 'yes', probably do not realize
>> the ramifications. This is NOT a question of 'the free expression of
>> all views, even the very fringe ideas that are extremely offensive
>> to both you and me.'. It's an invitation to the events that could
>> easily follow. 

                The above is exactly my point.  ( Meaning I'm in agreement
    with this statememt.)  In ref. to ::MALLETT's .84
    
      
682.87FRSBEE::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesWed Jun 13 1990 11:069
682.88HPSTEK::XIAIn my beginning is my end.Wed Jun 13 1990 16:2716
     Another recipe for chocolate cookies:

	2 ounces of chocolate
	3/4 cup shortening
	1 cup of suger
	1 egg
	1/2 teaspoon vanilla
	1/2 teaspoon salt
	2 tablespoons milk
	2 cups of flour


     Preheat the oven to 400F and eat the whole mess with
a huge wooden spoon.

Eugene
682.89QUARK::LIONELFree advice is worth every centWed Jun 13 1990 17:079
Re: .88

But Eugene, should one be allowed to publish a recipe that uses white
chocolate or even mint chips?  Should we pass laws banning such things because
some people might find them distasteful?  (Or even nauseating?)

Or was this just a tasty metaphor for our "melting pot" population?

			Steve
682.90 What about this..?BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirWed Jun 13 1990 20:0119
    
    
    
    
     Re.88  I think you are in the wrong note/topic.
            BTW: Send me and others pieces of ya stuff!
    
    
    >> To what in .84 do you think you are referring ?
    
    REFERRING to..
    
    Re. 84
    
    >> Why do you keep asking [about the First Amendment] ?
    
    Because does it [Ist Amendment] cover the freedom to publish
    Child Pornography (as an example) ? 
    
682.91Very simply, yes.SSGBPM::KENAHBeyond Need Lies DesireWed Jun 13 1990 21:269
    >>> Why do you keep asking [about the First Amendment] ?
    >
    >Because does it [Ist Amendment] cover the freedom to publish
    >Child Pornography (as an example) ? 
    
    Yes.  It does.
    
    
    					andrew
682.92Child pornography is not "protected"QUIVER::STEFANIWhat is an obscene amount of $?Wed Jun 13 1990 21:5816
    re: .91
    
    Andrew, I'm not so sure.  The Supreme Court has left it open for
    communities to decide what falls under "obscenity".  In the case of
    child pornography, there are laws against contributing to the
    delinquency of a minor, as well as rape and sodomy laws to protect
    persons under the age of consent.  From those and others, a natural
    extension is to limit the publication and distribution of what is
    deemed, "child pornography".  I don't believe the Supreme Court would 
    overrule any cases involving that.
    
    I'm quite liberal when it comes to the 1st Amendment, what I'd like to
    call "Freedoms of Expression", but I agree that certain limitations must
    be maintained for the good of the people as a whole.
    
       - Larry
682.93 Do you mean.... ?BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem! Gabh mo leithsceal muinteoirWed Jun 13 1990 21:5915
    Re. Note 682.91 by SSGBPM::KENAH 
    
    >>> Why do you keep asking [about the First Amendment] ?
    >
    >Because does it [Ist Amendment] cover the freedom to publish
    >Child Pornography (as an example) ? 
    
    {{Yes.  It does.
    
    
        {{				andrew
    
    
       Are you sure it does ?
       What about possession and distribution of Child Pornography ?
682.94SSGBPM::KENAHBeyond Need Lies DesireThu Jun 14 1990 13:325
    Am I absolutely sure?  No.  That's not up to me.
    
    Possession and distribution is not the same as freedom to publish.  
    
    					andrew
682.95QUIVER::STEFANIWhat is an obscene amount of $?Thu Jun 14 1990 16:2623
    re: .94
    
    Andrew,
    
       What's the difference?  Child pornography is a business. 
    Distribution is part of that business, without it, there is little
    reason to produce it.  Obviously, if possession is illegal, there goes
    the freedom to publish.
    
       On a higher level, the 1st Amendment states that Congress shall
    pass no law abridging the freedom of the press.  The 14th Amendment
    later on protected against state laws.  However, the Bill of Rights
    have always been open to interpretation, and they were written with
    that in mind.  The "Founding Fathers" knew that they could not guard
    against every conceivable situation, so they left it open for us as a
    people to decide what is and what is not allowed.
    
       I don't believe the 1st Amendment protects child pornography;
    production, distribution, or otherwise.  The producers of such films
    are breaking the law, and it is not right (or legal) for others to 
    benefit financially from that.
    
       - Larry
682.96CADSE::MACKINIt has our data and won't give it back!Thu Jun 14 1990 18:518
    Kiddie porn falls under the category of "obscenity" which the court
    has said is *not* covered by the first amendment.  As we're seeing
    today, the definition of "obscenity" is very definitely a case of
    "I'll know it when I see it."
    
    I'm becoming more and more convinced that any abrogations of the first
    amendment are at our own peril, even for things which we "know" are
    bad.
682.97SSGBPM::KENAHBeyond Need Lies DesireThu Jun 14 1990 19:2134
    
    >What's the difference?  Child pornography is a business. 
    
    	Not necessarily.  
    
    >Distribution is part of that business, without it, there is little
    >reason to produce it.  
    
    	Only if you assume child pornography is only a business.
    
    >Obviously, if possession is illegal, there goes the freedom to publish.
    
    	I'll state it again: distribution and possession are different
    	than the freedom to publish.  
    
        There are three questions here:	
    
    	1. Does the 1st Amendment protect the freedom to publish?
    
    		In general, yes.  In the case of child pornography,
    		perhaps yes, perhaps no.  It depends on whether or
    		not it is designated as "obscene."
    
    	2. Is it illegal to possess child pornography?
                                    
    		I don't know -- the answer to this doesn't strike
    		me as a First Amendment question.
    
    	3. Is it illegal to distribute child pornography?
                                    
    		Again, I don't know -- here, however, the First
    		Amendment may come into play.
    
    					andrew
682.98CHILD pornography is different...QUIVER::STEFANIWhat is an obscene amount of $?Thu Jun 14 1990 20:2926
    What a minute .96 and .97 ...
    
    Let's call a spade a spade.  Child pornography is NOT the same as any
    other type of pornography.  We're not talking about obscenity, we are
    talking about rape, molestation, sodomy, and other crimes against
    persons who are LEGALLY protected because they are minors. 
    
    Regardless if they consented, regardless if it's proven it was not
    filmed under duress, the acts which make up a pornographic movie are
    illegal when performed to individuals under the age of consent.  This
    age may vary from state to state, but the point remains the same, the
    acts which make up these films are NOT LEGAL.
    
    I realize that the two of you believe strongly about 1st Amendment
    rights, and so do I, but in this instance, I fail to see how it's even a
    1st Amendment issue (though the producers of these films would like it
    to be).
    
    Again, we're not talking about pornography or even hard-core
    pornography by consenting adults.  That discussion is separate since
    except in some states (for example Georgia, where anal sex is prohibited),
    the acts themselves are not illegal when done by consenting adults
    (adults not under durress).
    
       - Larry
              
682.99 ...Free Speech etc..BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem!Gabh mo Leithsceal,Muinteoir!Fri Jun 15 1990 03:4893
    ::KENAH  .94, .97,
    
    >> 1. Does the Ist Amendment protect the Freedom to publish -
    >> In the case of child pornography,
    >> perhaps yes.. (?)
    
    >> 2) Is it illegal to possess child pornography ?
    >> I don't know
                     andrew
    
        (Precedents) For Comparative Analysis.
      --------------------------------------------------
    [ In Los Angeles, 28 year-old Ward Rafay reported the theft of his
      video camera. Two weeks later the Police arrested him and charged
      him with nine counts of child molesting. The robber who stole the
      video camera found an incriminating tape that Rafay (the owner) had
      left in the camera. The robber played it and recognized the minor
      and then sent the tape to the girl's mother, who notified police..]
               [Reported in June 1990]
           ( A robber with a conscience ?) 
     Can the Ist Amendment be used to defend Ward Rafay ? I doubt it !
     What if the subject was a matured adult ?  
    
      Precedent (Study II.)
    
     [ Donald Rakowski of Georgia,  was convicted by a U.S. District
     Court jury in Burlington, of receiving child pornography that had been
     mailed. The IBM enginner faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine of
     US$10,000.00 for picking up a magazine produced in Japan at a Milton,Vt 
     Post Office box in May 1987, according to U.S. Attroney George Terwilliger III
     III. 
         The magazine depicted a pre-teen girl and an adult woman in nude
    poses together and poses of the girl alone. ]
    
       Perhaps Free Speech law in Japan allows Child Pornography, while
       Canada and US laws forbid Child Pornography.  
       When someone says: "Our society" or "In society" what societies
       are they referring to ?  Or statements like .. "where do we draw
       the line..?"  "WE" referring to who ? Are there universal legal
       laws that can be applied in every nation on planet Earth ?
    
       As courtesy to Steve Mallett ( in regards to question asked in .84)
       I would like to state my personal opinions on.. 
    
       "where should the lines be drawn.." As euphemistically stated..
       "which shade of pink is white ..?"
    
      o If my 11 year old son comes home with: 120 Days Of Sodom by,
       Marquis de Sade - I will kick the *#$$%* book out of his hands and
       "ban it" in my own empire.
    
      o If my twelve year old daughter comes home from school with a copy
        of: The communist manifesto by Carl Marx under her armpit I will
        call the School Dept. and call them "You *&&*%^ atheistic communist
        bastards should get that sh!t out of my daugthers's class room !"
        Then If my daughter insists on reading it, I will stop paying for
        her tuition (scholl fees) until she comes to reason and agrees with
        me in my empire.
    
      o If my spouse returns home from the store with a bunch of mags like:
        "Forbidden bestial porn from Istanbul" or "How to kill your spouse
         like a pro hit-man"  I will file for divorce the following day and
         send her out of my empire.
    
        Now mind you, I'm not a right-wing conservative extremist, but
        I'll not allow some liberal anarchists to tell me how I should rule
        in my own empire.  Relativity of  Free Speech ? Yes ! In my book.
    
      From Dec/Jan. issue of Paris Passion:
    
      [ 120 Days of Sodom has just been published for the first time in
        English (language) in Britain by Arena. 
         In 1778 Marquis de Sade was charged with "debauchery and excessive
         licentiousness"  For a period of four weeks de Sade wrote 
         120 Days Of Sodom.  The book is a huge Gothic depictions of
         erotique hell. Four reps from the ancien regime - a Bishop, a Duke
        a Judge and a Financier spend a holiday in a chateau.
    
        Is the following Free Speech ?  
        Excerpts from 120 Days Of Sodom.
    
        "..He  had a bowl full of <scatos> trummelled in and plunged the
          nude <femme> into it and licked every inch of it..and swallowed
          everything removed.." 
        
     This book at some point has been  banned  in every <free world> government
     since the publication.  
           (culled from page 50/51 of Dec/Jan issue of Paris Passion)
    
    
           *p/s. The English word  SADISTIC is derived from the name of
                 Marquis de Sade. The original scatological pornographical
                 philosopher .  What about Marquis de Sades Free Speech ?
682.100LUNER::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesFri Jun 15 1990 11:0824
    re: .90 (BTOVT::BOATENG_K)
    
    Well, I guess you've succeeded in your apparent goal to
    change the intended topic of discussion.  That topic
    was "When does the freedom to speak become the freedom
    to distort?"  
    
    You've managed to turn this into a discussion of the
    relationship of the American first amendment to pornography.
    You could have chosen to start your own not for discussion
    but elected not to.  I would gladly engage discussion with
    you on those subjects, but not in this topic.  The author
    of this note had a specific stated (and re-stated) purpose
    and I intend to honor that purpose.
    
    You've consistently refused to answer questions asked of you 
    including requests for clarification of remarks that I believe 
    are insulting.  I personally find your evasive tactics frustrating, 
    but if you refuse to answer direct questions, there's nothing I can 
    do to change you.  If nothing else, you've shown, as Kris suggested
    earlier, that the freedom to speak does indeed allow the freedom
    to distort.
    
    Steve
682.101Deja vu all over again ?BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem!Gabh mo Leithsceal,Muinteoir!Fri Jun 15 1990 19:3438
    Re. 682.100
    
    >> That topic was "When does the freedom to speak become the
    >> freedom to distort?"
    
    Speaking of distortion and freedom of speech..
    
    There is no where in the basenote (682.0) by BRADOR::HATASHITA
    where it is stated: "Where does the freedom to speak become the freedom to
    distort?"  Me and others did not notice that statement in the basenote.   
    
    He stated that "he is sitting on a fence". Meaning he is ambivalent
    about what is b.s. science and what is academic freedom to publish
    any form of ideas due to free speech ?   (this is *only a question) 
    
    Then he added at the bottom of the note.
    
    Re. 682.0 
    
    >> Where do we draw the line ?
      
              "we" -> meaning ?
             
    >> Any comments ?
    
    
       What kind of comments are being asked for ?
       The "rephrasing" in .55 .57. etc.. came several months after the
       posting of the basenote. Why was the question: "When does the
       freedom to speak become the freedom to distort?" not included in the
       basenote if that was the only intent of the discussion/topic ?   
    
    
      The basenote asked all the noters (hopefully) >> Any comments ?
    
      And some of us have volunteered to share our COMMENTS. 
      Why should anyone who believes in free speech not censorship be
      reticent in expressing their frank opinions ?
682.102FRSBEE::MALLETTBarking Spider IndustriesFri Jun 15 1990 20:1323
682.103VANTGE::MACKINIt has our data and won't give it back!Fri Jun 15 1990 21:227
    Re: .98 (QUIVER::STEFANI)
    
    Just for the record, (child) pornography and the acts that were done to
    obtain said materials are two different things, in my opinion.  I have
    no problems with the legal penalties for pedophiles (throw the book at
    them), but doing the punishing at the publication end results, again in
    my opinion, in a lot of basic free speech problems.
682.104Title of note 682.0 still -> Racism or Free SpeechBTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem!Gabh mo Leithsceal,Muinteoir!Fri Jun 15 1990 22:0337
    Re. 682.102
    
    >>...it was the topic the author intended for discussion
    
    A case of alternation, perhaps ?
    
    Why was the topic titled: Racism or Free Speech ?  ( By HATASHITA the
    author of basenote. )
    
    The basenote was posted on Feb. 9th 1989.
    The "rephrasing of intent" was posted on June 1st 1990. ( well over a year)
    
    Was the "rephrasing" in .50, .55, .57 a reaction to the Montreal
    Gazette article posted in note .33 ?   (as an example) 
    
    Another thing. How many of the noters have jumped in to interprete
    any of the notes by BTOVT::BOATENG_K for the readers before BOATENG_K
    could enter an explanation ? 
    
    My point is. If a question is directed towards HATASHITA why don't you
    allow HATASHITA to respond *FIRST then enter your comments after him ?
    I've nothing against the science/art of "ventriloquism" just that me
    and others are being equally frustrated by MALLETT's attempts to respond on
    behalf of HATASHITA before anyone else. <- (BTW: That's my opinion)
    
    Re. 682.0  >>...sitting on fence..>>  Why ? 
    
    
    Re.682.0 >> Where do we draw the line ?
    
             "we" --> meaning ? 
    
    >> Any comments ? >>>   You mean from all noters ?
    
    Why was the question: "When does the freedom to speak become the 
                           freedom to distort" not included in the basenote
                           if that was the only intent of the discussion/topic?
682.105QUIVER::STEFANIWhat is an obscene amount of $?Fri Jun 15 1990 22:0523
    Re: .103 (VANTGE::MACKIN)
        
       Just for the record, in my honest opinion, child pornography
    (whether a publication or a film) is a medium displaying (if not
    promoting) illegal acts.  Similar to laws that would prevent   
    Charles Manson from benefiting financially from a book about his career
    of murdering innocent people, child pornographers should not benefit
    from sales of a medium that displays illegal acts.
    
       Now taken out of context, you might surmise that "The Untouchables"
    was a film displaying illegal acts, but I submit that there is a real
    difference.  Where you and I disagree is that I don't believe there are
    any "free speech problems" from punishing distributors or even
    consumers of child pornography.  I guess it's a matter of degrees.  Some
    people might consider adult pornography to be mediums displaying immoral
    (and in some states illegal) acts, and that they should be banned.  I
    would disagree.  Also, "throwing the book" can mean a lot of different
    things.  Imprisonment for an individual who possesses child pornography
    is too severe, in my opinion.  On the other hand, a heavy fine or a
    jail term is not too severe for someone who traffics or produces it,
    again, in my opinion.
    
        - Larry
682.106 Re.BTOVT::BOATENG_KAhem!Gabh mo Leithsceal,Muinteoir!Fri Jun 15 1990 23:4542
     Re.682.85 by HATASHITA
    
    >> The fact that I question the censorship of ideas which are offensive
    >> or distortive, is not to say that I support the progagation of offensive
    >> or distortive information..
    
    Then why did you say you were "sitting on fence" about Jim Keegstra's
    case when as matter of fact he was convicted for..
    
    "Knowingly publishing false information which was likely to cause harm
     to social and racial tolerance.." 
    
     (If you call the Solicitor General's Dept of Canada they will tell
      you want laws of Canada he was convicted under. His conviction has
     nothing to do with Free Speech laws) 
    
    
      The statement in .85 was preceeded by ----->
    
     Note 682.7 by BRADOR::HITASHITA
    
   >> re .6
    
   >> The Nazi (although the man never claimed to be one) may have actually
   >> believed what he was preaching.  Can we really know?  
    
     ( And the Montreal Gazatte issue of May 19th has told us where this
       Rushton guy is coming from. He flunked a review of his academic
       performance by his own peers.) 
        
       
   >> The part which has me sitting on a fence is that all through history
   >> people with strange and often idiotic theories have been persecuted.
   >> But some of them were actually right (Galilleo, Copernicus, spherical
   >> Earthers).        
        
    >> has me sitting on a fence ..
        
           Waiting for Rushton to be accepted as a true scientist like Galileo ?
           Is that the connection you are/were trying to make in note .7? 
                         (just a question, because me and others are
    equally trying to understand your views on this forum/topic).
682.107BRADOR::HATASHITASat Jun 16 1990 04:4197
682.108The "baby in the bath" problemMINAR::BISHOPMon Jun 18 1990 00:5118
    Re: child pornography.
    
    There's a real problem with definition, just as there is with
    adult pornography, but complicated by the fact that children are
    more commonly photographed naked than adults are (e.g. "Is taking
    a photograph of my baby in the bath pornographic?").
    
    The Supreme Court used to spend lots of valuable time discussing
    what "obscene" and "prurient" meant, and we now have "community
    standards", which is just "I know it when I see it" applied by a
    jury after the fact.
    
    Despite being eager to prevent the abuse of children, I don't see
    how to define pornography legally without also lumping non-abusive
    art in the forbidden category, unless the legal code for taking
    pictures of a child is made as complex as tax law.
    
    			-John Bishop
682.109SSGBPM::KENAHBeyond Need Lies DesireMon Jun 18 1990 13:2418
    >Regardless if they consented, regardless if it's proven it was not
    >filmed under duress, the acts which make up a pornographic movie are
    >illegal when performed to individuals under the age of consent.  This
    >age may vary from state to state, but the point remains the same, the
    >acts which make up these films are NOT LEGAL.
    
    	Who said anything about movies?
    
    >I realize that the two of you believe strongly about 1st Amendment
    >rights, and so do I, but in this instance, I fail to see how it's even a
    >1st Amendment issue (though the producers of these films would like it
    >to be).
    
    	Ask the estate of Robert Maplethorpe.
    
    					andrew
    	
    
682.110QUIVER::STEFANIWhat is an obscene amount of $?Mon Jun 18 1990 13:4612
Andrew,

 >>    	Who said anything about movies?
 
    In a later note, I lumped the two together, child pornography in either
    a written or filmed medium. 

 >>    	Ask the estate of Robert Maplethorpe.
 
    I have no idea as to whom you are referring to.

       - Larry
682.111Lots of "baby in the bath" problems...QUIVER::STEFANIWhat is an obscene amount of $?Mon Jun 18 1990 14:0123
    re: .108

    John, agreed.  There are many subtleties like your example of the baby
    in the bath problem.  "L.A. Law" had an interesting case where the mother
    of a young girl had her ex-husband arrested for sexually abusing their
    daughter.  His lawyer argued that he gives her a bath and cleans her.
    The question arose as to whether he was fondling the child.  It's not
    always so obvious as to what is or what isn't "abuse".

    Possibly the issue of child pornography is not as black and white as
    I'm professing, but someone brought up the question as to why punish
    the consumer?  (ie the reader or distributor should have 1st Amendment
    rights to read or view this material).  For me it's painstakingly
    clear, why we should, for others it's not.  Similar argument for drug
    users.  Why punish the end user?  He or she's only a victim.  Why not
    punish the producer/seller instead.  Again, I'll submit that we should
    punish both to stem the tide of that poison.

    Hmmm...not very leftist views for a devout liberal, eh?

       - Larry
                                            
    
682.112You see, it can be a First Amendment IssueSSGBPM::KENAHBeyond Need Lies DesireMon Jun 18 1990 14:5215
    Robert Maplethorpe was a photographer -- a portraitist -- he
    died last year of AIDS -- his is the photography exhibit that
    has Jesse Helms and so many others up in arms about pornography.
    
    Within the exhibit are a small number of photographs of children;
    since I have not seen these photographs, I can only repeat their
    description -- they are photographs of semi-nude and nude children.
    
    Are these photographs child pornography?  Or are they art?
    
    Incidentally: to Steve, and Kris, but especially to you, Kwame:
    I did *not* change the base topic of this note when I began to
    ask the questions I asked -- you all understand that, don't you?
    
    					andrew
682.113I understand. Others may not.BRADOR::HATASHITAMon Jun 18 1990 15:006
    re. .112
    
    Understood, Andrew.  I'm glad someone is keeping this topic from being
    strictly a 'slash 'n bash'.
    
    Kris
682.114QUIVER::STEFANIWhat is an obscene amount of $?Mon Jun 18 1990 17:1516
    Andrew,

      Now I remember.  If memory serves, a lot of people were upset because
    the National Endowment for the Arts (a publicly supported agency)
    was sponsoring this, so people got the idea that their tax $$$ were
    being used to display pornography.  This may not be the case that
    you're referring to, let me know if otherwise.  I don't know how I feel
    about this.  Art is a very subjective thing and what is tasteful to one
    person, may not be to someone else.  Not knowing anything further, I would
    probably allow it under the guise of artistic freedom and expression. 
    If the children were shown being abused or touching each others
    genitals, I would become skeptic about the artistic value of such a
    piece.  This is an excellent example of "I'll know it when I see it".

        - Larry
                                                             
682.115Yes, art is subjective, and art to one is pornography to anotherSSGBPM::KENAHBeyond Need Lies DesireMon Jun 18 1990 17:3514
    That's the exhibit.
    
    Now, you say "I'll know it when I see it."
    
    For you, this may "cross the line", and to you, it's pornography.
    For others, it may not, and to them, it's art.
    
    it's entirely possible that something you consider art -- tasteful,
    powerful, making a bold statement -- may be considered filthy
    pornography by someone else --  
    
    Who decides?  You?  Me?  Kwame?  
    
    					andrew
682.116QUIVER::STEFANIWhat is an obscene amount of $?Mon Jun 18 1990 19:5721
    Andrew,
    
      In .114 I said that I would allow it.  I did not say that it crossed
    the line, nor did I consider it pornography.  I did say that some
    people viewed it as that and I alluded that people probably wouldn't
    have made a big stink if the NEA wasn't sponsoring it.  The truth is,
    our tax dollars are used to support many things that I could consider
    "obscene" like extravagent parties for top politicians and nuclear
    weapons to name two.
      
      I'll admit that I am outside the art world.  My idea of "good art"
    is "David" or "Mona Lisa", but I respect other people's opinions.
    What I considered to be child pornography was limited to films and
    publications that contained scenes of children performing sex acts with
    eachother, with adults, with animals, whatever.  This to me has no
    artistic value and seeing how children can be scarred for life
    emotionally as well as physically going through such an ordeal, I see
    little reason NOT to fine or prosecute the individuals responsible,
    including the end-user who supports it.
    
       - Larry
682.117STAR::RDAVISThat was me: Third guitarTue Jun 19 1990 14:018
    I've seen Mapplethorpe's kiddie pictures.  They aren't porn by any
    stretch of the imagination.  (Unless Baroque cherubs now count as child
    pornography too.)
    
    Actually, like his portraits, they're a little too cutesy for my
    taste... 
    
    Ray