Well, today’s list has been very interesting. Thanks for all of your responses
including the personal email exchanges of it seems, people equally hesitant
but wanting to contribute to the discussion list. Very telling that they felt it
necessary to be covert in this is it not!
Are we not in danger of committing that which we strive to raise awareness
of in disability research, the tendency to exclude? This seems contradictory
to me and whilst I recognise that we are all on differing levels of language,
K&U, surely if we wish to be part of a ‘community’ of researchers we need to
ensure this discussion is accessible and respectful to all, no matter how
eloquently or simply or even ill informed postings may appear.
I am in no way suggesting a ‘dumbing down’, as we know, language is all
powerful and to be appreciated. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to
read a well put together piece of prose even if it takes some unravelling.
However, it is when language is used to ‘show off’ (my opinion) that I get
frustrated or as I mentioned earlier, to ‘scoff’ at others (again, my opinion).
Yes, differences of opinion are both inevitable and welcomed. This is the
essence of a good discussion is it not? I welcome constructive criticism, it is
from this that our understanding is developed. But to deliver such criticism or
exchange differences of opinion is a delicate thing and clearly some people
do not possess the necessary skills. This list is for the purposes of
exploration of themes not it seems sometimes, a vehicle for pomposity.
Here’s to a list that values all opinions be they from relatively new
researchers like myself or from those that we may learn a great deal from.
By the way, the adverts for events, calls for papers etc prove for the most,
very useful and I often forward to colleagues and I know this is appreciated.
Thanks to all of your encouraging comments. I hope, like me, some others
out there will be more inclined to contribute.
Glad I plucked up the courage!
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