Hard questions was: META: Proposed Inclusion statement

From: Dan Fabulich (dfabulich@warpmail.net)
Date: Tue Sep 10 2002 - 17:20:01 MDT


Max More wrote:

> In light of recent activity by racists, it's time for ExI to explicitly
> make a statement to go on the website. I'd like to get it on there
> quickly. Any comments on this draft?

Statements of this kind are more interesting by virtue of what they omit
than in what they include.

> STATEMENT OF INCLUSION: Extropy Institute welcomes participation by all
> those who resonate with most of the Extropian Principles regardless of
> race, sex, sexual preference, nationality, or ethnicity.

I notice that "religion" is not included. Is this by design? Are we open
to all religions, so long as they agree with most of the principles?

"Political party" is not included. Is this by design? Are we open to all
political parties?

"Age" is not included. Is this by design? Are we open to very young
minors?

"Proficiency in the English language" is not included. Do we encourage
those with poor writing ability or those without a good grasp of the
English language to post here?

"Profession" is not included. "Mental or physical disability" is not
included. "Intelligence" is not included.

Do we welcome all people equally, so long as they resonate with most of
the principles? Or is it our position to welcome some people more than
others, not at all welcoming very few groups of people? Is anyone
unwelcome?

Are we just talking about egalitarianism in ExI membership? Posting to
the list/discussion groups? Respect from other members?

You mention you're in a hurry... so I guess you could post that draft now
and we could discuss the hard questions at greater length. But some of
these questions should not be swept under the rug.

-Dan

      -unless you love someone-
    -nothing else makes any sense-
           e.e. cummings



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