Guilty as charged. But in defense of my fellow juvenile delinquents, I think last night we achieved denouement on the Aldebaran issue. I think the item that finally tore it was Aldebaran’s ever-so-convenient “catch-all” post about Arabic keyboard and second language and whatnot. All tied up with a pretty dyslexia bow.
I actually can speak to this last issue, because as the survivor of a serious head injury, I have a condition similar to dyslexia – among other things – that makes it difficult to express myself verbally, let alone via a keyboard. You will never see me using this to get out of hot water. Even to a Thoughtless American, claiming “disability makes my posts sound bad” is a scoundrel’s desperate act that should be recognized and leave him roundly dismissed.
There are rules to this Board, some articulated, and like with any relationship, many more are tacit. I have been accused of being anti-American, anti-establishment, anti-cop and anti-war; many of my views have made my fellow Dopers extremely angry when pursued, especially when I can only claim anecdotal evidence. (Even with backup links or other information, such views can often incite a verbal riot).
Similarly, Aldebaran has found a wondrous hot button. As he Salaams to each of us, he’s whispering under his breath of "Sweet Lady Racism.” He challenges our perceived American ignorance of Muslim heritage and rails at the complicity of our European and Canadian friends. This yields almost global apologia, especially from Americans since many of us are still so very hurt over the views we’re told are taken by the rest of the world. Google “why they hate us” and you’ll find what’s at the core of many of the spiteful posts ignited by Aldebaran’s rhetoric.
We chase him all around the Board, this one-fourth of “The Royal Stars of Persia,” and attempt to defend ourselves, which leads me to this: why is it racism only on his terms? Why is it not similarly bigoted to lump all Americans into the anti-Muslim camp?
He’s just pushing buttons. Learn from what’s good about his posts, but please don’t be defeatist because of his snideness.
Aldebaran, your knowledge is an asset to this Board; I hope you can learn to embrace our differences and make a positive change before it’s too late.
