Re: Unacceptably provocative/beyond the point of acceptable debate


"Tim Tyler" <seemysig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:ffhdlc$2feh$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Following James Watson's comments at the weekend, and the
public concern that this has caused in Bristol, the event on
24 October 2007 with James Watson has been cancelled. While
we are a festival that encourages debate, it is clear that
James Watson's opinions were unacceptably provocative."

- http://www.ideasfestival.co.uk/

"We know that eminent scientists can sometimes say things that
cause controversy and the Science Museum does not shy away
from debating controversial topics.

"However, we feel Dr Watson has gone beyond the point
of acceptable debate and we are, as a result, cancelling
his talk."

- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7050020.stm

Neither organisition offers the slightest factual criticism
of Watson's comments. They have none.

Nor do they need one. Read the statement closely. They are not
criticizing Watson for being wrong nor for being controversial. (In
fact, they claim to welcome controversy.) They say that they
cancelled because he has been "unacceptably provocative".
Carefully chosen words, those.

They canceled because they are unwilling to accept the kinds
of things that they fear that Watson's appearance at the event
might provoke. What kinds of things do they fear? Use your
imagination. They certainly have.

Being wrong occasionally is the scientist's prerogative. Being
controversial is sometimes part of a scientist's job description.
But being provocative is not part of the scientist's responsibility.
It is more the job of educators, political activists, and activists -
people who want to grab your attention and get you to do
something. Watson wears some of those 'hats' in addition to
his scientist hat - true. But when he wears those other hats,
he is supposed to be being provocative in a way that furthers
the interests of the institutions that gave him the hats. He
didn't further those interests.

.

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