Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h26LsOP29900; Thu, 6 Mar 2003 16:54:24 -0500 (EST) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 16:54:24 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <5.1.0.14.0.20030306154040.00a4cec0@mail.etop.org> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Lorraine Gardner <lad-oh@etop.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:8766] Re: Censorship? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 5.1 Status: O Content-Length: 3366 Lines: 57 Very well stated, Sylvan. I do not like censorship, and I believe that this list should be a forum for ideas that relate to ESL teaching and our students. As Ujwala said, we are not just teaching discrete linguistic skills without context. However, in order for a list to be an open forum, everyone must respect one another. You do not have to agree with the opinions stated, but you do have to have the decency to disagree with decorum. The comments made by Mr. Januzzi both on and off list show a lack of respect for list members and for the value of the list itself. Someone suggested typing out your feelings and then hitting the delete key, which is exactly what Mr. Januzzi should have done. No matter how much you disagree or become incensed by another's comments, that does not give you reason to act with such disrespect. I too support Lynda's decision completely. It is unfortunate that she was forced to make such a decision--I hope everyone will think twice before hitting "send" in the future. Lorraine Gardner lad-oh@etop.org At 03:57 PM 3/6/03 -0500, you wrote: >I've read with interest the comments by several list members protesting >the exclusion of a former list member. I have to support the list manager >here. We have rules, called "netiquette" that everyone is supposed to >agree to when joining the list. My understanding is that when someone >appears to violate those rules, the list manager reminds that member of >the rules, and asks him or her to cease and desist. In this case, the >member not only did not stop violating rules, but indeed stepped up >attacks and became even more abusive, calling people names, attacking >others' ideas, and calling into question the whole concept of the list and >its rules. I posted privately to him, trying to emphasize that this is not >a matter of trying to suppress a political viewpoint (and in fact tried to >tell him I agreed with him) but to attempt to maintain some sense of >respectful discussion. My mistake. His reply to me was just as abusive as >those to others, and he insists I don't agree with him. Okay, so I'm done. >He's right, I guess I don't really agree with him, especially if his point >of view is that everyone has to agree with everything he says or they are >a <insert epithet of choice here>. > >If we have no consequences for violating the very reasonable rules of the >list (and really the only consequence we can impose is removal from the >list), then there's no point in having rules. We might as well say >anything goes. I've heard of lists where that is the case, and newsgroups, >chat rooms, etc. Those who want such a venue should go find one. >Personally, I'd prefer a forum where we at least try to discuss things in >an atmosphere of mutual respect, even if we disagree with each other, and >where there's some understanding of the importance of how we treat each >other regardless of our respective ideas. > >In addition, membership on this listserve, or any other, is not a right, >but a privilege. I trust the list manager's judgment, and in this instance >support her right down the line. > >-------------------------------------------------------------- >Sylvan Rainwater . Family Literacy Coordinator >Clackamas County Children's Commission / Head Start >Oregon City, OR USA . mailto:sylvan@cccchs.org >
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