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from the this-article-may-trigger-strong-emotions dept.
There is a lot of talk on the net these days about microagressions, and it's good netiquette to post trigger warnings before discussing sensitive topics. What's good in online forums isn't necessarily appropriate in-person, especially on University campuses. The cover article for September's edition of The Atlantic magazine discusses the harm that students' requests for trigger warnings on course content and accusations of microagression are causing, stifling open conversation on campuses across America. The authors also suggest that these student behaviors are actively causing harm to the students.
Avoiding trigger topics, instead of assisting those who have suffered traumas, perpetuates and enhances the pathology of the phobias they hope not to trigger. The hunt for microagression creates in the students cognitive distortions that are usually treated with cognitive behavioral therapy. The authors are calling this "The Coddling of the American Mind", and suggest it will create a generation of graduates unable to cope with the world after graduation.
The authors also appeared on the Diane Rehm show, on a segment called "The New Political Correctness: Why Some Fear It's Ruining American Education". Far from trying to shut down the conversation about race relations, the authors are trying to re-open it.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by frojack on Tuesday September 01 2015, @07:05PM
2. It puts the responsibility on everybody who may come in contact with the affected person to avoid a particular topic of discussion.
And there's the rub. How can "everyone" possibly know who is affected by what particular boogieman?
The idea that entire fields of discussion should be avoided because some small percentage of people might find it uncomfortable is as silly as the idea that peanuts should be eradicated from the face of the earth because some small percentage of people have a peanut allergy.
We put warnings on food products, and call it a day.
Warnings on course descriptions are all that is needed, as you point out.
But I'd go further. Some discussions of sensitive matters is warranted in general courses of study.
Rape will be mentioned in normal every day life. Without warnings! Peanuts will be served in Kung Pao chicken. But unlike the restaurant menu, society comes with no warning labels.
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.