On 11/6/04 9:06 PM, "Robin Hamilton" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> The ostensible reason he was banned (not then "suspended") was that he --
> one single phrase -- used the term "towelheads", which in my book is abusive
> but not racist.
Dear Robin
I knew I shouldn't have said anything. It was not the ostensible reason, it
was the actual reason. Racism is explicitly banned on poetryetc, along with
other bigotries and abuse. This is in fact to enable discussion and the
toleration of different points of view. But I am deeply puzzled: how is the
term "towelheads" - a term directed specifically at Arabs - not racist? By
this logic, the terms nigger, wop, kraut, wog, boong and other similar
lovely locutions are "abusive" but not racist either. I'm sure those at
whom these epithets are directed would not agree with your summation.
Best
A
Alison Croggon
Editor, Masthead: http://www.masthead.net.au
Home page: http://www.alisoncroggon.com
Blogs: http://theatrenotes.blogspot.com http://alisoncroggon.blogspot.com
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