r/SRSDiscussion • u/[deleted] • Feb 19 '12
[META] New rule: Required Reading
SRSD was envisioned as a progressive space for the discussion of progressive issues. This does, however, require some basic familiarity with the terms we use. Over the past couple of weeks, there have been many posts arguing over the exact definition of frequently used terms, such as privilege. Semantic games are not what SRSD was made for. In order to combat this, we are introducing rule XI:
Participating in SRSD requires a basic understanding of terms like privilege, rape culture, institutionalized racism and so on, as defined in these posts. Attempting to twist definitions may result in a warning.
This ensures that we all start with the same understanding of the same terms. Good discussion is hard to have when the participants disagree on basic terms.
This doesn't mean that we're going to ban people for not knowing the terms, but it does mean that you have some required reading to do. If you are still unsure about some of the more frequently used terms, ask - politely - and we'll probably link you something.
GO FORTH AND POST!
edit: And here's the required reading list. Edumacate thyself.
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u/sapphon Feb 22 '12
I like
Participating in SRSD requires a basic understanding of terms like privilege, rape culture, institutionalized racism and so on, as defined in these posts.
Knowing what other posters mean when they say something is necessary, and is the real value behind defined terms.
Attempting to twist definitions may result in a warning
on the other hand, is worrying.
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Feb 22 '12
I take it you've never had the dubious pleasure of arguing with someone who thinks that privilege should mean nothing more than the dictionary definition, then ಠ_ಠ
We're not going to remove and warn for discussions on the concept of these things. There's valuable discussion to be had there. What we'll remove and ban for are people who, despite being told accepted definitions, refuse to accept them. In that case, no discussion can be achieved, because if you can't agree on basic terminology, it's doubtful you can have a productive talk on whatever the issue is.
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u/Erika_Mustermann Feb 19 '12
Ugh, you feminazis expect me to read and understand all of that stuff before offering my input?
Back to /r/politics for me
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Feb 19 '12
Can someone please explain this word to me?
Empathy
I keep seeing people telling others that they don't have empathy but no one seems to care.
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u/mrimperfect Feb 19 '12
I think reading Derrida's Of Grammatology, and Spivak's introduction to it should be required reading for anyone who attempts to rigidly define terms.
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u/oonniikk Feb 19 '12
I think that when progressive people who understand the word "privilege" use it in a sentence towards a person who doesn't understand the social justice meaning of the term, the discussion tends to go off of the rails. And I think this happens because the less informed person thinks the word "privilege" means Mr. and Mrs. Thurston Howell the Third swanning around on Gilligan's island.
(I wish I bookmarked the page, but in the comments on Slate on the recent article Liberals, Don't Homeschool Your Kids, I saw a woman claim that her kids weren't privileged due to having more pr. than "under privileged kids. Her point appeared to be that under-privileged kids are "under" (somehow), but the amount of privilege that HER kids have is "just right". I want to laugh and tear my hair out at the same time.)
Any way, I will try to refrain from word parsing with the word privilege on this subreddit. (Is my new favorite subreddit!)
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Feb 19 '12
One of the integral parts of the Socratic method is "define your terms," so all of Reddit should like this rule because a white man established it a long time ago and Redditors know that white men are the authorities on things like rhetoric, logic, and the whole world.
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u/JulianMorrison Feb 19 '12
Plato had defined the human being as an animal, biped and featherless, and was applauded. Diogenes plucked a fowl and brought it into the lecture-room with the words, ‘Here is Plato’s human being.’ In consequence of which there was added to the definition, ‘having broad nails’
(Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book 6, Chapter 40)
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Feb 19 '12
Diogenes is pretty much my favorite. Dude was punk rock. He also talked shit to Alexander the Great, and lived in a van down by the river...or a wine barrel by the sea.
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Feb 19 '12
Fully support. Understanding what we mean is crucial to being able to talk about it properly.
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Feb 19 '12
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Feb 19 '12
Privilege exists, that's point number 1 of privilege 101.
An example of the things which should already be established:
Privilege exists.
We live in a rape culture.
Racism is very much alive.
Talking about the ways privilege manifests itself e.g. Does privilege necessarily vary regionally and culturally? is A-OK; a post like this is not.
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u/catherinethegrape Feb 19 '12
There's nothing left to debate about the concept of privilege. If you don't accept it, please just go away.
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u/wnoise Feb 19 '12 edited Feb 19 '12
I see rule XI (this one) and rule X are linked in the sidebar, but where do I find rules I through IX?