A list-member wrote to me:
>I think you would find that Mike (particularly, and other historical
>geographers in general) would not accept history is an less contested than
>geography.
>However, to question Mike's credentials as a historian would be an error.
>
I agree, and I was not doing this at all. I am sorry you might think I was
implying this. I was just trying to point out politely that I am not
totally ignorant of history and historiography, although I am sure that
there are others on this list with far greater expertise and experience in
this area.
I was referring to the previous contributors to whom Mike was also
referring, without trying to be too personal. It is, as you will
appreciate, very difficult to have a discussion about such a sensitive
topic and resiting the all-to-easy trap of just saying 'You're talking
rubbish' (or the equivalent). Sometimes the line is very fine, and people
get offended whatever you do.
I really, honestly try not to be rude to people, even when they really
offend me, or when I completely disagree with them. You wil find that I
have been a long-time advocate of fair, open and non-threatening discussion
on this list, and have always been willing to self-critique.
I hope others feel the same, and I hope we can talk about the way we
discuss things openly as well - I was particularly pleased to read David
Crouch's remarks on these lines recently- perhaps he can add more along
these lines.
As for me, I have posted what are my basic views on why I am opposed to the
bombing, and will continue to contest the views of those who support it,
politely but firmly. If this still offends anyone, or if people choose to
infer more from my remarks than is intended, despite my best efforts at
clarification, there is nothing I can do about it.
Thanks for the advice and constructive criticism,
David.
David Wood
PhD Student ('The Rural Peace Dividend')
Department of Agricultural Economics and Food Marketing
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU
0191 222 5305
[log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|