I would like to suggest a couple of things that I believe would be more helpful than the discussions so far appear to have been.
As you (BooMan) pointed out, susan and I (and I think some others) disagree on the issue of disseminating ethnic caricatures as an exercise in free speech.
Speaking for myself only, I strongly believe that this activity is indeed protected free speech, and I support the right of any person who wishes to engage in this behavior to do so.
The area of disagreement, from my view, is whether this behavior is a good use of peoples’ time and talent, and yes, whether it is the “right thing to do.” I admit that I am biased, as I am not an enthusiast of this sort of behavior, and find it personally distasteful.
As I mentioned in a recent comment in the old thread, Arcturus has posted a list of a number of very “meaty” free speech issues. “Meaty” is my term, and I know it is a subjective one. Why would tacking these ethnic cartoons up here and there be more deserving of peoples’ time and talents than the ones he mentions, and I am sure many people could add to his list.
So far, neither susan nor anyone else has made the effort to help people understand the benefits of spreading ethnic caricatures around their communities, whether of an Imam, a Rabbi, or Little Black Sambo-type figures.
I agree with another thing BooMan said in a previous post, that “susan deserves better.” (than the discussion so far) If for whatever reason, she prefers not to defend her view, as is her right, or if she is stil not feeling well, does she not deserve to have someone or someones who do agree with her to present their arguments in favor of spreading around ethnic caricatures?
What I am saying is, that while I see a lot of support for susan herself, what I am not seeing is any effort being made to step up to the plate and say, “I agree that the cartoons should be spread around because blah blah.
On the other hand, I and several others have not been so reticent about saying why we disagree with her position, even as we defend her right to hold it and express it.
Is there a place, within the context of your view of “reconciliation” for a discussion of the actual pros and cons of disseminating ethnic caricatures as a worthy exercise to show support for free speech?
In my opinion, such a discussion would be very helpful to those of us who do not understand the reasoning and the substance of susan’s opinion, and would also help pave the way for moving on to the second 800 pound gorilla.
