7th February 2014, 02:11 PM
BAJR Wrote:So the question seems to be... Israel... bad and although there is lots of other bad... we will just concentrate on this bad because it is easier to .
Not at all. I agree, there is plenty bad in the world. The question was is Israel Apartheid.
I'm not suggesting ignore all bad and focus on the PACBI agenda (I put that link in as I find it interesting but know very little about it - I pay very little attention to the news but am aware they've been in it as has the campaign to boycott)
BAJR Wrote:In answer to the simple question is apartheid bad... the answer is no shit Sherlock ... of course it is. The complex answer is, why decide to specifically decide this is the "most baddest" and I will create an academic boycott of this particular country while allow other bad acts in other countries go boycotted
Yes of course, but is Israel an Apartheid state? if so should people do nothing because there is other bad states out there? What if people had said (and I bet they did) that we shouldn't boycott South Africa because China is bad? I'd say point out all bad, but maybe focus on one at a time?
BAJR Wrote:Question 1 Have you ever been to Israel and or Palestinian Territories etc. and spoken with academics and other archaeologists?
Question 2 Does blanket actions such as this have a positive effect? Those who are already "onside" are excluded and ostracised as well.
Question 3 Will you carry out similar academic boycotts on countries such as Russia for their anti gay legislation? To boycott Israel and not Russia (for example) would by logical derivation say to me that you are willing to allow homophobia, but not apartheid.
Are these questions you are specifically asking me? Or generic questions one should ask oneself before jumping on the bandwagon?
BAJR Wrote:To be honest there is a lot of bad out there...and I have had my fair share of experience of it, ( when I went on a field trip with archaeology students from Ramallah Uni... and due to a new settlement were unable to get to the Palaeolithic cave site ) but I am certainly not going to also cut ties with excellent archaeologists such as Neer Lect-BenAmi or Julia Fridman or Chemi Shiff Why should I?
A very good point! The crucial question everyone should ask before backing sanctions. What and/or who do the sanctions hit worse.
And yes, bridge-building is better than pointing and ranting...after all: hatred is'nt instinctive it is taught
BAJR Wrote:What I am saying is. yes rail against injustice - just be careful . This singularity view is like being a vegetarian who eats chicken.
But every journey starts with a single step.