General Discussion

Moostache

(11,302 posts)

40. Anyone walking around thinking that they are entitled to warnings about reality is deluded.

Thu Aug 25, 2016, 11:18 AM

Aug 2016

Reality happens.
It does not wait.
It does not ask permission.
It does not warn.

For those too fragile to handle this truth, the world is going to kick your ass and keep on kicking it until you decide to fight back and make a stand within yourself.

Horrific things happen daily.
They happen without rhyme nor reason.
They happen to good people and bad people.
They happen all too frequently to the disempowered and the helpless.

The way to change the world never has been to lock yourself away in a cocoon.
Engagement with the real world is tough and sometimes brutal.
But it is also the ONLY way to affect change on the wider world and on ourselves.

The fewer "trigger warnings" and "safe spaces" in the world, the better we will all be in the end.

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University of Chicago Tells Incoming Students: Don't Expect Safe Spaces or Trigger Warnings [View all] megahertz Aug 2016 OP

Excellent!!! n/t RKP5637 Aug 2016 #1

Good deal. NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #2

Holy shit! MicaelS Aug 2016 #3

Wow, they're treating their students like adults! Warpy Aug 2016 #4

Yep awoke_in_2003 Aug 2016 #108

How DARE they! 7962 Aug 2016 #135

Does that mean it doesn't support special-interest campus groups? Brickbat Aug 2016 #5

I consider it a question of where one stops. malthaussen Aug 2016 #8

I understand you to mean that you reject the concept of trigger warnings utterly. Brickbat Aug 2016 #10

I'd suggest reading the comments at the link. malthaussen Aug 2016 #11

So some trigger warnings are OK, but not others? Brickbat Aug 2016 #19

"OK" is a meaningless label in this context. Orrex Aug 2016 #45

Couldn't have put it better myself. malthaussen Aug 2016 #69

If you pay me $10/hr., I'll be the college cryer who bangs a drum and issues warnings. OK? Eleanors38 Aug 2016 #59

I agree. I understand a university not having a trigger warning prayin4rain Aug 2016 #78

I believe this in regards to classrooms and lecture halls. nt TeamPooka Aug 2016 #128

"Trigger warnings" as a policy really aren't workable. cab67 Aug 2016 #137

Good for them! WillowTree Aug 2016 #6

Sounds good to me. n/t malthaussen Aug 2016 #7

University students are adults, they need to act like it. FLPanhandle Aug 2016 #9

I still appreciate "NSFW" warnings and "Spoiler Alerts". And, ... JustABozoOnThisBus Aug 2016 #12

And I still scrolled down. GoneOffShore Aug 2016 #14

Like the old DU "hidden post" warnings, some warnings are impossible to resist. JustABozoOnThisBus Aug 2016 #18

Trigger warning. Dr. Strange Aug 2016 #22

And not a moment too soon Orrex Aug 2016 #47

Are we body shaming people today? I can never tell when it's ok. AtheistCrusader Aug 2016 #141

No, we're making fun of CarrotTop. Dr. Strange Aug 2016 #188

Never cared much for the lounge. AtheistCrusader Sep 2016 #231

Let's hope that this catches on. GoneOffShore Aug 2016 #13

You know what happens after you consume something? Warning, Trigger! Eleanors38 Aug 2016 #62

From a gun enthusiastic? saidsimplesimon Aug 2016 #154

Glad you are a good shot, and follow safety recommendations, "fellow" enthusiast Eleanors38 Aug 2016 #169

Safe spaces and trigger warnings are antithetical to a university education. drm604 Aug 2016 #15

I can't believe DU drank the kool aid alp227 Aug 2016 #25

alp, show up and heckle the bastids. Eleanors38 Aug 2016 #65

my opposition to mandated trigger warnings doesn't come from ideology. cab67 Aug 2016 #138

If you're gay and you're old enough to be in college... XemaSab Aug 2016 #157

Majoring in triggernometry. NuclearDem Aug 2016 #207

Not everyone is as mentally strong or you and I alp227 Aug 2016 #209

Informed consent? Abq_Sarah Aug 2016 #192

it's not about mere opinions - it's about content. alp227 Aug 2016 #206

The course description and syllabus used to be enough info. aikoaiko Aug 2016 #204

ROFL...U of C is the biggest "safe space" on the South Side alcibiades_mystery Aug 2016 #16

Well put. Brickbat Aug 2016 #17

That's where I received both my masters degrees from, and they employed our current president. Exilednight Aug 2016 #21

The UC takes reasonable enough safety precautions for students' bodies. ancianita Aug 2016 #30

My Alma Mater... reACTIONary Aug 2016 #121

What do you think they're doing wrong? (nt) muriel_volestrangler Aug 2016 #140

I never received such "kid gloves" from my parents when I was a small child! Buckeye_Democrat Aug 2016 #20

Imagine! Exposing yourself to ideas & perspectives at odds with your own. CrispyQ Aug 2016 #23

That's what I remember! Buckeye_Democrat Aug 2016 #24

Some ideas are not worthy in academia alp227 Aug 2016 #26

Not sure what point you're trying to make. CrispyQ Aug 2016 #31

Because the best way to expose and oppose that is to stand up to it mythology Aug 2016 #44

Exposing yourself to ideas that go against one's humanity romanic Aug 2016 #83

"And no, falling on the ground in a "die-in" doesn't count." = DUzy MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #99

Because you're not doing these kids any favors making them think the world is fair. nt MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #98

Who gets to decide what ideas are worthy? Abq_Sarah Aug 2016 #193

Exactly awoke_in_2003 Aug 2016 #109

Like "GMOs are dangerous" DU buys into the "safe spaces bad" alp227 Aug 2016 #27

What good exactly do 'safe spaces' contribute to the world? Albertoo Aug 2016 #29

Freedom of association. What's the harm in them? nt alp227 Aug 2016 #48

Sure - in a non-class room setting hack89 Aug 2016 #55

Surely there are professors who go too far. alp227 Aug 2016 #61

Yeah, that's not how "safe spaces" are being abused these days ConservativeDemocrat Aug 2016 #132

Safety for individuals rooming in women's shelters... LanternWaste Aug 2016 #52

I only endorse genetically modified safe spaces. Orrex Aug 2016 #34

Nice! hueymahl Aug 2016 #37

And what happens when they leave academia? MicaelS Aug 2016 #39

So just because things are "bad" in the real world, people should just kiss up alp227 Aug 2016 #50

Education is supposed to prepare one for the real world. Ikonoklast Aug 2016 #57

Just because something happens in the real world alp227 Aug 2016 #60

First, please show where the UC allows bigotry to be practiced on their campus, or in a classroom. Ikonoklast Aug 2016 #75

How would they push back against bigotry if they are not exposed to it? nt jmg257 Aug 2016 #63

Yes, deal with it, enact change. What exactly is the alternative? Crawl in a hole? MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #100

Most offices and adult education classes I've known seem closer to the safe space side of things Chathamization Aug 2016 #74

That's a rather privileged perspective Orrex Aug 2016 #76

Huh, what? Safe spaces are bad because harassment exists? How does that begin to make sense? Chathamization Aug 2016 #81

Your subject line has nothing to do with anything I posted. Orrex Aug 2016 #89

Even McDonald's says it's opposed to offensive jokes in the workplace. I'd say it's pretty common Chathamization Aug 2016 #91

You are pretending that the workplace is the entire world, which is absurd Orrex Aug 2016 #96

No, I'm appreciating the fact that neither the workplace nor a university is the entire world Chathamization Aug 2016 #186

You do realize that most business that have customers, if those customers abuse the... Humanist_Activist Aug 2016 #225

If a waitress gets groped, hopefully the offending customer is kicked out by management and... Humanist_Activist Aug 2016 #224

Free speech in quotes has proven to be a consistent indicator of a pending authoritarian post... TipTok Aug 2016 #73

It would so much more MicaelS Aug 2016 #80

See post #73. I couldn't have said it better myself. NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #87

May the inexistent gods bless the U. of Chicago Albertoo Aug 2016 #28

University should prepare you for real life IVoteDFL Aug 2016 #32

"Where there usually are no trigger warnings or safe spaces." NCTraveler Aug 2016 #90

My wife, a very left college professor says.... Adrahil Aug 2016 #33

I remember getting a syllabus well before classes began. That might be a good place KittyWampus Aug 2016 #49

That's the balance that sounds right Patiod Aug 2016 #92

I'm a university professor, though not at U of C. a la izquierda Aug 2016 #35

And what purpose does that warning serve skepticscott Aug 2016 #42

Being fair, history, like science, is a bit different from literature or art.... Moonwalk Aug 2016 #64

You know, perhaps one of the women in the class had an abortion. a la izquierda Aug 2016 #66

The warning is not for the bored little snowflakes, it's for people who have been abused. haele Aug 2016 #71

Probably the wrong place to ask, but this is a good opportunity so I'll risk it. whatthehey Aug 2016 #46

I would think the syllabus would be a perfect opportunity to tag various issues. KittyWampus Aug 2016 #51

My favorite professor in underground was a Latin American historian. Else You Are Mad Aug 2016 #70

I guess it depends. a la izquierda Aug 2016 #133

Well, that proves it. Else You Are Mad Aug 2016 #210

We're going on three weeks in! a la izquierda Aug 2016 #214

what I think they're probably saying is ArcticFox Aug 2016 #36

You mean like their econ department? FairWinds Aug 2016 #41

I was thinking we all could of used a warning on what was coming out of there at some point Person 2713 Aug 2016 #54

There was a big one in 2007. Fortunately I pulled the trigger and got outta the market. Eleanors38 Aug 2016 #67

yup ArcticFox Aug 2016 #131

Excellent. "Trigger Warnings" and "Safe Spaces" are antithetical to a liberal education hueymahl Aug 2016 #38

I heard someone liken them to homeschooling one's children... GoCubsGo Sep 2016 #239

Anyone walking around thinking that they are entitled to warnings about reality is deluded. Moostache Aug 2016 #40

+1 nt skepticscott Aug 2016 #43

How many people who are celebrating this have talkeded with students after campus wide threats? loyalsister Aug 2016 #53

So a rape survivor can't expect a "safe space" at the school counseling center? thucythucy Aug 2016 #56

It seems unlikely that the policy would work that way Orrex Aug 2016 #72

"If a student takes a course... thucythucy Aug 2016 #105

A Clockwork Orange Orrex Aug 2016 #113

The way I read it, the University is saying thucythucy Aug 2016 #118

Maybe we're simply reading the policy differently Orrex Aug 2016 #122

I think you might be right. thucythucy Aug 2016 #203

Well, that's understandable Orrex Aug 2016 #215

What? That sounds like... like a University!! Eleanors38 Aug 2016 #58

Good. The best way to deal with disturbing and obnoxious ideas is to discuss them. backscatter712 Aug 2016 #68

So the Univ. of Chicago got sucked by the Reich . . FairWinds Aug 2016 #77

That's deplorable. You have every right to your freedom of speech. NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #86

Totally agree with you . . FairWinds Aug 2016 #162

Exactly bucolic_frolic Aug 2016 #95

I agree with most of your post, but note that nearly all of the cancelled campus speakers over the.. MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #101

Haha wow; people will lose their ever-frickin minds over this... MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #79

And just try to stand up for Palestinian rights on a college campus . . FairWinds Aug 2016 #82

Now it's up to the students ismnotwasm Aug 2016 #84

"Now it's up to the students" NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #88

I tend to agree ismnotwasm Aug 2016 #106

I have not heard that any of these controversial speakers have been class requirements ProudToBeBlueInRhody Aug 2016 #111

Yeah probably ismnotwasm Aug 2016 #112

What opposition to trigger warnings really means loyalsister Aug 2016 #183

So, what all do we need to warn about if we're going to find every single possible Bettie Aug 2016 #187

Way to miss the point loyalsister Aug 2016 #189

you don't get into the U of C by tuning out information you don't agree with. Warren DeMontague Aug 2016 #97

Oh for sure ismnotwasm Aug 2016 #110

If you read the actual letter, though, they are pretty clear that they're not talking about Warren DeMontague Aug 2016 #114

I know--the spin is what is annoying me ismnotwasm Aug 2016 #116

My favorite line from U of C's 2015 report on freedom of expression: MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #85

I agree with academic freedom bucolic_frolic Aug 2016 #93

Safe spaces? Leontius Aug 2016 #94

This is a private website, not a public college. NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #143

Well okay then, except Leontius Aug 2016 #175

"The University of Chicago is a private university." NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #176

Northwestern president's reply, ouch Chiquitita Aug 2016 #102

Ouch is right ismnotwasm Aug 2016 #117

It shouldn't be too much to ask loyalsister Aug 2016 #181

Northwestern is a good school, to be sure. Warren DeMontague Aug 2016 #174

Wow, it really needed to come to this? When I went to college (1988 to 1993), we didn't have 4lbs Aug 2016 #103

Lots of other "interesting" pieces on that site. johnp3907 Aug 2016 #104

yeah, but the letter itself appears real, does it not? Warren DeMontague Aug 2016 #107

... NuclearDem Aug 2016 #115

When I posted that link, the story was just coming through... megahertz Aug 2016 #119

Good. LS_Editor Aug 2016 #120

Rutgers does the same thing. Once people block the free transfer of information, growth is hampered. TheBlackAdder Aug 2016 #123

I'm not real sure what this is about, mothra1orbit Aug 2016 #126

A university declaring that it is not a safe space, female students beware! Lordquinton Aug 2016 #124

They're not abrogating laws, they're just dismissing demands for ideological carve-outs. Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2016 #134

They are declaring that there are no safe spaces on campus Lordquinton Aug 2016 #142

I think you're misinterpreting what a "safe space" refers to. Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2016 #144

First of all, have some self awareness Lordquinton Aug 2016 #151

"without some dude to arguing about what really is rape anyway?" Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2016 #164

Safe spaces are places where marginalised groups can feel safe to talk freely Lordquinton Aug 2016 #212

Then they should retire to privately owned areas, like here at DU. Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2016 #213

Like if someone entered a class they weren't in? Lordquinton Aug 2016 #216

How is somebody disagreeing with somebody else traumatizing? NuclearDem Aug 2016 #217

Ok, so these people who face the actual real world every day of their lives Lordquinton Aug 2016 #223

Then have an off-campus meeting. NuclearDem Aug 2016 #226

Not a social justice one for sure... Lordquinton Aug 2016 #228

You're the one insisting that minority students are too emotionally-fragile to handle debate. NuclearDem Aug 2016 #229

Nice language co-option there Lordquinton Sep 2016 #233

"You have a long way to come as a progressive." NuclearDem Sep 2016 #235

No group is entitled to commandeer public space for private purposes. Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2016 #219

Women and minorities are never allowed to be safe in public, ever? Lordquinton Aug 2016 #222

If other people by virtue of nothing more than their presence can be so debilitating Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2016 #230

I'm gonna stop this discussion Lordquinton Sep 2016 #232

You're stopping the discussion because you have no basis except Nuclear Unicorn Sep 2016 #234

"Hey who wants to help me kick this reporter out? I need some muscle over here." NuclearDem Aug 2016 #218

A despicable episode no different than the Bundy's seizing public land. Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2016 #220

And Mizzou's already paying for it. NuclearDem Aug 2016 #221

Homes, workplaces, schools, churches, clubs, etc. are all safe spaces by other names. DemocraticWing Aug 2016 #125

Excellent News!! Kilgore Aug 2016 #127

While the big prestigious schools are saying they'll treat students as students . . . DeltaLitProf Aug 2016 #129

I like speakers we can throw eggs and rotten vegetables at. hunter Aug 2016 #130

Often that doesn't happen anymore because the students refuse to let the speakers on campus at all.. MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #145

Some speakers shouldn't be tolerated. hunter Aug 2016 #146

"Some speakers shouldn't be 'tolerated.'" Wow, that is a chilling statement to read on here. nt MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #147

Nazis, white supremacists, racists, fascists, eugenicists... hunter Aug 2016 #163

I can think of one. Nuclear Unicorn Aug 2016 #166

That's fine by me. hunter Aug 2016 #167

"Some speakers shouldn't be tolerated." NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #148

You want real free speech? hunter Aug 2016 #155

"You want real free speech?" NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #156

Be polite, or else! hunter Aug 2016 #159

Where did I say that I wanted any forced politeness? NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #160

I agree. Certain thoughts should be banned. Throd Aug 2016 #149

Your mindset is exactly the one MicaelS Aug 2016 #150

Oh bullshit. hunter Aug 2016 #152

You just want to silence opinions you don't like. Throd Aug 2016 #153

No, just fascists and other authoritarian war mongerers. hunter Aug 2016 #158

Hide behind Woody all you want. Throd Aug 2016 #161

We are free to speak. We are also free not to listen, and free to be impolite. hunter Aug 2016 #165

"We are free to speak. We are also free not to listen, and free to be impolite." NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #168

Post removed Post removed Aug 2016 #170

Thank you! Throd Aug 2016 #171

Welcome to the world of the regressive left. NuclearDem Aug 2016 #180

Oh dear, I've violated your safe space, and maybe should have posted a trigger warning. hunter Aug 2016 #185

Kids, this is what happens when you go full Marxist. NuclearDem Aug 2016 #194

Oops. Are you sure you want to say that about me? hunter Aug 2016 #195

Awesome post. Nt MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #196

So, in other words, yes, you do. NuclearDem Aug 2016 #177

No, I'm reasonably certain that the U of C is actually acting on their own committment to the Warren DeMontague Aug 2016 #172

Yet I seem to have disturbed a few who would expect everyone to be polite. hunter Aug 2016 #182

You've seen people offended about that Blues Brothers scene? Honestly? Warren DeMontague Aug 2016 #184

I'll bet I could find a few that rubbed me the wrong way. hunter Aug 2016 #190

I hear it- having someone trying to weasel in and teach creationism to my kids, would set me off. Warren DeMontague Aug 2016 #202

You might be the most entertaining DUer I've ever met. MadDAsHell Aug 2016 #197

Carry on... the popcorn is free in hunter's place. hunter Aug 2016 #199

Does this mean they are elinating their safe space for RW "economists"? Odin2005 Aug 2016 #136

I don't consider it RW bullshit MicaelS Aug 2016 #139

Oh yeah, the University of Chicago, what an ill-regarded educational dump. Warren DeMontague Aug 2016 #173

Ask Mizzou, Rutgers, Yale, DePaul, or the UC system if they think it's bogus. NuclearDem Aug 2016 #179

Yep. romanic Aug 2016 #208

Where is the TRIGGER WARNING for this thread??? bagelsforbreakfast Aug 2016 #178

Guess I'M old, what are Trigger Warnings? sarcasmo Aug 2016 #191

Dog Whistles... eom Purveyor Aug 2016 #200

This anti "safe spaces" thing is really about CREATING safe spaces forjusticethunders Aug 2016 #198

Here's a better link Chitown Kev Aug 2016 #201

Some students are around but classes don't start 'til Sept. 26. ancianita Aug 2016 #205

See also the president's comments question everything Aug 2016 #211

Am I listening to the voice of saidsimplesimon Aug 2016 #227

This should be here...'toon jtuck004 Sep 2016 #236

Wow, that's a lot of strawmen for one toon. NuclearDem Sep 2016 #237

I highly doubt they're lining up "anti-science kooks" to speak at the U of C. Warren DeMontague Sep 2016 #238

Depends on the "science".n/t jtuck004 Sep 2016 #240

does it? Warren DeMontague Sep 2016 #241

Ask the folks in Chile. The ones who lived. Not kookery, just taking part in the coup of jtuck004 Sep 2016 #242

If you're talking about Henry Kissinger, which is my assumption here Warren DeMontague Sep 2016 #243

yeah, it was a cartoon, and usually I like Jen Sorensen's work. Warren DeMontague Sep 2016 #244