In article <l03130300b1cbcd70922e@[128.138.126.35]>, Debra McDonough
<donough at colorado.edu> wrote:
> > What bugs me personally about the larger cultural response, though,
> >is that the questioner in the above example really doesn't suffer any
> >negative social consequences for his behavior. Many people tolerate it or
> >even admire it; they shrug it off and say "well, he's just being himself."
> >Jerks and boors are just there, like earthquakes and plagues, and if you
> >can't deal with them, then, well, you're to blame, not them.
>> This is where those who recognize the problem and have grown into positions
> of authority can really make a difference. After I was subjected to some
> mean spirited questioning at a departmental seminar the department chair as
> well as one other senior professor spoke with the questioner who later
> apologized. Having expected the question (and not being surprised by the
> tone, given the questioner) I was able to answer with confidence. Even so,
> several professors also checked in with me after the session to compliment
> me on my answer and express their dissatisfaction with the tone of the
> question. So, in the end, it was a very positive experience for me - but
> only because so many people got involved. I think if more of us take a "no
> tolerance" policy towards the abusers, it actually can make a difference.
Absolutely agree. Unfortunately, this is more difficult for those not in
more senior positions. When I work with students in seminar courses, I do
attempt to show them that questions can be asked without an abusive tone
or posture.
B. Martin
