Temptation to make a horribly intellectual conversation inducing post that may make people think. Pros: Its interesting. A resolution to the question could have significant benefits at least within direct social circles if not further. Raises awareness of an important social issue and side issues not commonly thought of. Provides a generally acceptable outlet for analysis. Public conversation about important issues is important. May make people think a little more about their opinions around halloween. Achieving consensus is generally considered the foundation stone of the scientific method and generally also considered a good thing. Cons: It dances on the border of controversy. Anything that dances on the border of controversy runs the risk of crossing the line into blatantly offensive material. It would conflict with the ideals of neutrality to attempt to govern who is allowed to read/post and thus the threat of trolling or actually offensive viewpoints are present. While for this particular post it is unlikely, the chances of the core concept requiring a Content Warning might suggest its better kept to private discourse. Being kept in private discourse limits the total range of viewpoints submitted and thus reduces the possibility of a useful conversation. No guarantee that people will respect each others opinions. May make people think a little more about their opinions around halloween (in a way that may ruin their halloween). Conversation topic in question: Haloween costumes, racism, and where to draw the line. Side topics include: whether dressing up as a traditional witch is racist (exactly how many witches were murdered and vilified again?), whether dressing up Erwin Rommel - one of the greatest humanitarian figures of WW2 - is racist, whether dressing up as someone elses deity (even if you think that religion is extinct) is racist, whether dressing up in Victorian Era clothing is racist (slavery culture and all that) is racist, and whether it suddenly stops being racist or starts becoming acceptable just because you change social circles or because a particular individual is or isnt loud about it. For those interested in grasping the origin of this thought, see the comment thread in: everydayfeminism/2013/10/is-your-halloween-costume-racist/?fb_comment_id=fbc_541087269302220_3812897_542417805835833#f187e174f524d6e PS: Clearly I decided to go with the pro debate argument and the hope that most of my audience are willing to engage and/or express their views with understanding, and that if they do have concerns theyll take the time out to politely inform me or avoid the post until they wish to consider it. Do try not to prove me wrong.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 23:31:29 +0000