Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - the movement for an academic boycott of israel

aceventura3 · 07-12-2010, 10:00 AM

What is the underlying concept in play here?

First:
A person or persons want to take an action based on their beliefs that they think will influence events.
Another person or persons respond to actions, in a manner not to the liking of the person or persons above - and they get offended.
Actions have consequences. Occasionally the consequences are not what was expected, if true, can you live with those consequences - otherwise don't take the action.

Second:

BDS got renewed interest because of a blockade preventing the free flow of aid, people, information, supplies, etc., a blockade that they think is wrong in many ways. Yet they support a "blockade" (separating Israel, culturally, academically, and economically from the rest of the world), thinking the strategy as they employ it is going to deescalate conflict.

Wouldn't a better approach be one of using academia, culture and economics to positively influence the thinking of the people in Israel?

If I were paranoid or lived in fear of attack and destruction as is the case with Israel, isolation is not going to solve that problem it will make it worse. So depending on the goal, peace or the elimination of Israel through the escalation of tensions leading to war - the proper strategy becomes clear. Those who support BDS may not have thought through what their support actually means.

07-12-2010, 10:00 AM	#4 (permalink)
aceventura3 Junkie Location: Ventura County	What is the underlying concept in play here? First: A person or persons want to take an action based on their beliefs that they think will influence events. Another person or persons respond to actions, in a manner not to the liking of the person or persons above - and they get offended. Actions have consequences. Occasionally the consequences are not what was expected, if true, can you live with those consequences - otherwise don't take the action. Second: BDS got renewed interest because of a blockade preventing the free flow of aid, people, information, supplies, etc., a blockade that they think is wrong in many ways. Yet they support a "blockade" (separating Israel, culturally, academically, and economically from the rest of the world), thinking the strategy as they employ it is going to deescalate conflict. Wouldn't a better approach be one of using academia, culture and economics to positively influence the thinking of the people in Israel? If I were paranoid or lived in fear of attack and destruction as is the case with Israel, isolation is not going to solve that problem it will make it worse. So depending on the goal, peace or the elimination of Israel through the escalation of tensions leading to war - the proper strategy becomes clear. Those who support BDS may not have thought through what their support actually means. __________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on lunch." "It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions on vegetarianism while the wolf is of a different opinion." "If you live among wolves you have to act like one." "A lady screams at the mouse but smiles at the wolf. A gentleman is a wolf who sends flowers."