Date: Mon, 3 Feb 1997 12:46:41 -0400 (AST)
From: David Francis Mercer <dfmercer@is2.dal.ca>
To: Sociology Graduate Students -- International <socgrad@csf.colorado.edu>
Subject: Re: Super-Bowl
In-Reply-To: <199702020801.DAA22556@sable.cc.vt.edu>
Message-ID: <Pine.A41.3.95.970203123718.161126B-100000@is2.dal.ca>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
On the contrary, I think that in some, if not most instances, such
material is hurtful and degrading.  However, the source, and the meaning
that source ascribes to the statements, is as important, if not more
important, than the statement.  I think we are all intelligent enough (I
AM including you in this, I am not intending sarcasm) to dismiss as
harmless something that comes from an innocuous source.  but what troubles
me more than anything is the creation of the popular culture of
victimization, as evidenced by shows such as Ricki Lake, etc.  Wendy
Kaminer's brilliant book, "I'm Dysfunctional, You're Dysfunctional", has
some really good things to say on the topic of the victim culteure, and
self-help groups.  I simply believe we should all be proud of who we are,
and not constantly be seeking to necessarily take offence at any instance.
You are correct that we should remain aware, however.  The word "Weimar"
springs to mind as an example.
	You know, I've been passively reading this site for a while, and
it feels good to finally get involved in a good discussion.  As a symbolic
interactionist, there isn't much opportunity to share a good exchange of
views here at Dalhousie.  Looking forward to more discussion.

David Mercer
Sociology Department
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada