Dear all,
There is a serious issue at the heart of the matter with which all
geographers are familiar: i.e. territory.
Whilst we can all argue about anti-Semitic, anti-Palestinian, and
anti-German comments (or non-comments); or indeed argue about the rights
and wrongs of aid convoys (or their hijacking for ulterior motives), there
remains one fundamental issue that must not be brushed under the carpet -
that is, the rights of Palestine to become a sovereign nation, as did
Israel.
It is this transition that should be undertaken openly and transparently
for everyone to see. As long as this issue is forever sidelined or
obscured by those parties concerned, the rest of the world will always be
in a 'chicken or egg' situation regarding the judgement of Palestinian and
Israeli actions.
Best to all,
Erica
> "It is of course true that in Germany any discussion of Israel is much
> more
> difficult and everyone tries to tread more carefully, because there is
> undeniably a unique historic responsibility (you may call it guilt, if you
> like)." --- My point exactly, and to label pointing this out as an
> "ad-hominem attack" - as some have - is to completely miss the
> (historical/cultural) point.
>
> "Does that justify denying any German his/her own point of view though?"
> ---
> No, of course not, but when that point of view attempts to divert
> attention
> from and put responsibility on the oppressed and marginalized, the
> historical and cultural situation of that point of view needs to be
> addressed.
>
> "In this forum of "critical geographers" different points of views should
> be
> allowed." --- Sure, I agree completely, but that suggests the points of
> view
> will be 'critical' (I mean this in the widest sense possible). If they are
> simply ideological reinforcements of and justifications for oppression,
> there will be a strong reaction.
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 2, 2010 at 3:03 AM, Valerie Viehoff <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
>
>> Although I don't agree with Thomas' point of view I also don't like the
>> tone that has been developing in this debate.
>> So because he's writing from a German university email address or his
>> name
>> sounds German he's guilty of being blinded by some typically German
>> guilt?
>> It is of course true that in Germany any discussion of Israel is much
>> more
>> difficult and everyone tries to tread more carefully, because there is
>> undeniably a unique historic responsibility (you may call it guilt, if
>> you
>> like). Does that justify denying any German his/her own point of view
>> though?
>> I suggest we should refrain from attacking each other in this personal
>> and
>> not very differentiated way. In this forum of "critical geographers"
>> different points of views should be allowed. And if we disagree then
>> please
>> let's get back to real arguments, such as those very convincing points
>> presented by Sarah, for example.
>> Regards,
>> Valerie
>>
>>
>>
>> Thomas Doerfler wrote:
>>
>> Am 01.06.2010 um 19:43 schrieb giorgio curti:
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes, Thomas, because Israel is ALWAYS the victim - even when occupying
>> aid ships in international waters, illegally occupying territories
>> under international law, or refusing to recognize and blockading a
>> democratically elected government (in respect to the Hamas situation,
>> it is interesting that Sharon served as PM after he was found by his
>> own government to be indirectly responsible and stripped of his post as
>> general for the massacre of Palestinian refugees/civilians, no?) - and
>> every negative reaction to Israeli actions MUST be a product of
>> Antisemitism. The only clarity gained from your post is that your
>> German guilt is blindingly thick.
>>
>>
>>
>> that's a funny collectivism which may the reason why you are not able
>> to think in non-substancialised terms on the topic, as I suggested. To
>> read "victims" in my post is your symptom.
>>
>> t
>>
>>
>>
>
>
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