I Find That Offensive by Claire Fox

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Philosophy Now
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Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2010 8:49 am

I Find That Offensive by Claire Fox

Post by Philosophy Now »

Terri Murray isn’t offended by Claire Fox’s book about the politics of being offended.

https://philosophynow.org/issues/120/I_Find_That_Offensive_by_Claire_Fox
Londoner
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Re: I Find That Offensive by Claire Fox

Post by Londoner »

I thought this article was well below standard.

It consisted of nothing but prolonged and rather childish invective against 'straw man' opponents, with no attempt at a rounded discussion of the issue. Perhaps this accurately reflects the book that it reviewed, but that doesn't make it suitable copy for a philosophy magazine.

It was noticeable that while Muslim groups were criticised for being 'cry-babies' over Islamophobia, the reviewer somehow forgot to evenhandedly insult Jewish groups who object to antisemitic or anti Israel speakers. And while describing the 'hysterical zeal' for children's safety, she forgot to explain where she personally would draw the line (or not) regarding bullying, sexual images and the rest. And while 'Generation Snowflake' is told to 'grow a backbone', she neglects to tell us if this should also applies to feminists' attitude to pornography or anything else remotely controversial.

Her deafening silence on such issues suggests her real argument is 'I should be free to upset you, but not necessarily vice-versa'. And that is indeed the current situation in academia and elsewhere. Any 'free speech' principle was sold out long ago. The current arguments are just a turf-war.
Science Fan
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Re: I Find That Offensive by Claire Fox

Post by Science Fan »

I did not read the article in the same way that Londoner did. The article pointed out that someone having a victim status, so to speak, does not make their opinions better than someone else who lacks such a status. This is true, but often overlooked. Just look at how many mainstream journalists interview victims and present their opinions on a topic as if they should be given special weight? If someone is an expert on a topic, then they are an expert independently of any victim status.
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