From Greg Williams (931030)
Gary Cziko 931029.1930 GMT
While I will continue to invite such people into CSGnet discussions, I will
be very surprised if any of them, such as Wickens, elects to walk across
the bridge to the PCT ghetto and leave the glitzy downtown and comfortable
suburbs behind.
I have encountered a number of academics, in the social sciences and other
fields, whose overriding goals appear to be achieving comfort and reveling
in glitz. I have encountered others who appear to be compulsive glory-
seekers, and who don't seem to care about whom they hurt in pursuit of
glory. But I have also found some academics who are, first and foremost,
trying to understand how the things they are interested in work and in how
to contribute to better understandings of those things. It is sad for me to
see that you prejudge "comfortable" academics, specifically including Wickens.
I suppose that you did not mean to insult Wickens, but I wouldn't be
surprised if he interpreted your remarks that way.
P.S. Although the ghetto IS quite cozy and quaint in its own way, isn't it?
"Cozy" can become insular. "Quaint" can become provincial. "In its own way"
right now appears nasty and hurtful to some others, whether meant that way or
not.
This time, I think it is YOU who need to clarify YOUR words for the benefit
of nonPCTers.
There are other places to be, neither "rap" nor "whitebread" -- like where I
live (both literally and figuratively), the boonies. As one of our boonie
philosophers says, "What are people for? To help each other." I personally
think that PCT has lots of potential to help people. Does that goal justify
nasty (as perceived by those who need help) means? I have a difficult time not
saying "fuck it!" when Rick Marken insultingly makes fun of my "optimism" --
and I'm a bona fide SUPPORTER of PCT. How much easier it must be for
suburbanite nonPCTers to look the other way when given the slightest excuse!
Please don't make it so easy for them.
Rurally yours,
Greg