| Topic: | Reply | |
| Posted by: | Michael Ixer | |
| Date/Time: | 30/04/26 13:18:00 |
Mr Hawkes, to be fair, I probably do suffer from unconscious bias - I think we probably all do - as it's "unconscious" it's probable that I'm unaware of it? Looking at the points you highlighted with your '*** s' I was going by the tone of your posts but, as I noted previously, I put them with question marks as they were inferences not statements which were soliciting a response from you, which you've given, thanks. However, you seem to be implying falsely that I support terrorists or "freedom fighters". I'll happily take the compliment of being a liberal progressive (let's drop the "faux"?) as I try and keep an open mind and consider new or alternative ideas - isn't that the way the human race has developed with time? Obviously, some ideas have to be rejected. I think there was an inference I'm a Muslim supporter; I've made it quite clear in several previous posts I'm an atheist so obviously I don't support any religion but you choose to ignore that. I do try and live alongside muslim neighbours, colleagues, friends in the same way that I do or have done with Catholic, Jehovah Witness, Hindu, Sikh, etc friends and colleagues. Some Muslim acquaintances, friends or colleagues have even joined me in the pub for a pint so, as I always say, these things aren't "binary" ... These relationships must have mutual respect without coercion, and obviously people must practice their religion within the laws of the land. Of course, I hope you'd agree we should condemn people of all religions who use it as an excuse for terrorism? I guess people who are non religious as well! I'd note, if you bother to look at definitions of homophobia, they're broader than just your fears; they extend to the impact people's attitudes and have on the that community. In answer to your question in response to mine, to save time I've asked Mr Google to draft my response (also Mr Google gives standarddefinitions so I can't be accused of bias ...): "transsexual refers to individuals who permanently transition their bodies (via hormones/surgery) to align with their gender identity. Transvestite is an outdated term for a cross-dresser, someone who wears clothing associated with the opposite sex but generally does not wish to change their assigned sex" Or perhaps you were referring to transgender, which "refers to a deeply held identity where a person's internal gender differs from their birth sex, often leading to a desire to live, or transition, as that gender?" I do wonder if you're asking for those definitions if you have a clue what you're talking about? With regard to "unconscious bias" I note that your alma mater, University of Oxford, seem to take this seriously. Perhaps you should direct your questions to them? With regards to IC it comes under administrative support services for all four faculties. Hence, I'm not sure it's an area any faculty researches, perhaps the obtain course material from elsewhere, perhsps Oxford? As IC gets a lot of funding from industry and foreign student fees I'm not sure its much of a cost to UK taxpayers, and perhaps there are benefits in better science and medical research in the faculties, such as not testing everything on white middle age males? :) Apologies, this was put together in a rush: I was at Solar & Storage Expo, Excel, then the theatre yesterday (I do recommend Miller's Prices at the Marylebone, good to see lots of Jewish people in the audience), and need to get to the gym and a concert today - have a nice day! |