[MD] The Relativist's journey

[Arlo Bensinger]

[Steve to Marsha]
Why would an MOQer even want to wield an SOM-laden term like 
"relativism"? It is half of the old SOM Platypus, relativism/absolutism. 
It is a term based on an SOM premise that we deny. It is just another 
version of the wrong-headed question, "is the Quality in the subject or 
in the object?"

[Arlo]
I was thinking the same thing. From my perspective, it seems some are 
bending over backwards to hang on to the term "relativism", going so far 
as to select very narrow, very indiscriminate definitions just to allow 
the word into the conversation, almost as if its sacrosanct. Consider 
how much hostility and energy is given to this every single day in this 
forum, over whether or not a certain 'word', even redefined and 
reconceptualized, MUST be part of the MOQ's lexicon.

[Steve]
...was becoming a serious problem in the multi-culty 90's (when Lila 
came out), but morally paralyzed relativists are getting harder and 
harder to find (thank goodness ...

[Arlo]
Unfortunately, the pendulum is swinging back to other end of your SOM 
platypus, absolutism, shown as unilateral exceptionalism, patriotism and 
the view that "my" culture/society/ideas/choices/lifestyle is 
unquestionably, undeniably, absolutely superior to everyone else 
everywhere in the world. If we are abandoning "multi-culturalism", it is 
not because we are moving towards appraising contexts and differing ways 
of life on a scale betterness, we are simply saying "we" are in every 
possible way better than everyone else. And I'm sorry if I don't think 
that's a good thing.

When I lived in Chicago, I found the ethnic/cultural adherences both 
fascinating and intellectually stimulating. Now back in central 
Pennsylvania where, for all extent and purposes, there is nothing but 
cultural homogeny, I am convinced that demanding everyone 
act/think/talk/look/behave like 'everyone else' (whatever that means) is 
even more dangerous and stagnating than the diversity that some are so 
appalled to see.