GalacticCactus Forum

Forums => English & Linguistics => Topic started by: Jonathon on April 16, 2007, 03:11:30 PM

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: Jonathon on April 16, 2007, 03:11:30 PM

In editing one of our planners, my coworker expressed concern over the use of a particular quote on the day that happens to be the Islamic new year. The quote is from Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and political activist. The quote is "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Does anyone find this in any way tasteless? Does it seem like we're advocating anything?

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: Porter on April 16, 2007, 03:44:21 PM

It seems like you might be advocating something, but it would be just a guess as to what.

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: JT on April 16, 2007, 03:58:22 PM

It seems like you're advocating advocacy.  Which I don't find tasteless at all.  In fact, I agree with the sentiment.

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: Jonathon on April 16, 2007, 04:05:36 PM

I agree with the sentiment of the quote, but my coworker was concerned that someone would see it next to an Islamic holiday and think that we're saying something about the situation with Israel and Palestine or something like that. We've had people call and complain about us including Islamic holidays at all (because "we're at war with them"), so it is plausible that someone out there would think that.

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: JT on April 16, 2007, 04:08:00 PM

You can't make a calendar idiot-proof.

Someone can always find a way to misread a quote.

I think it's pretty benign, though.

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: Porter on April 16, 2007, 04:09:14 PM

Quote

I agree with the sentiment of the quote, but my coworker was concerned that someone would see it next to an Islamic holiday and think that we're saying something about the situation with Israel and Palestine or something like that.

But since it's impossible to tell what that something you're saying might be, I think it's harmless.

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: rivka on April 16, 2007, 05:55:21 PM

Given Chomsky's (idiotic) criticism of Wiesel vis a vis the Palestinian situation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elie_Wiesel#Criticism), I think your co-worker might have a point. Can you switch it with another day's quote?

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: Jonathon on April 16, 2007, 06:08:06 PM

We could, and that's what my coworker suggested, but apparently some higher-ups told her not to. I'm not sure why; it takes almost no effort, so it's not exactly an inconvenience on our part. But maybe they'll change their minds if they know that some Jews might find the juxtaposition objectionable.

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: rivka on April 16, 2007, 06:11:16 PM

Oh, I wasn't saying that at all!

Personally, I find it completely non-offensive. Maybe amusingly ironic.

I would guess that it would be Muslims, particularly any who know that Wiesel is not especially pro-Palestinian, who would find it offensive.

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: Jonathon on April 16, 2007, 06:24:56 PM

I didn't think you were saying that YOU had a problem with it. I thought you were saying that someone like Noam Chomsky might have a problem with it.

Title: Is this problematic, or is it okay?
Post by: rivka on April 16, 2007, 06:51:50 PM

Noam Chomsky is an idiot. I could (not) care less what he has problems with. ;)

Ok, that's not entirely true. I only think he's an idiot and discount his opinions when it comes to politics, particularly Israeli politics.

Overall I think he's intelligent and interesting.