4 ms·

I find the point about autism especially rich, given that it must be understood at a spectrum, and in a forum such as this, most of us likely sit waaay closer t

by yew 14y ago

I find the point about autism especially rich, given that it must be understood at a spectrum, and in a forum such as this, most of us likely sit waaay closer to the end you deride than the population average. Self-criticism being a high and praiseworthy art, at least where I come from. The general sentiment that one shouldn't be permitted to study and improve oneself is much more offensive.

mdpye 14y ago
I'd like to understand this comment, but I'm afraid I can't fathom its relation to what you quoted. I meant to convey that the highly analytical mindset is lauded as a great strength here. The popularity of social skill self-help type articles on here also demonstrates that it is a strength with trade-offs. Y'know, like almost all differences in people's make ups. Sorry if we're talking at cross purposes.
- yew 14y ago
  Autism (along with all sorts of other things) isn't just 'a highly analytical mindset.' As you say, it has downsides. Which can be very unpleasant (and not just for other people, either). The idea that we should all just learn to except everybody for who they are, which in my experience is often coupled with the idea that wanting to change yourself is bad, is an idea that I am not a fan of, to put it lightly. I've heard it directed at myself to often for that.
  - mdpye 14y ago
    Fair enough. I've never had a serious encounter with the opinion that one shouldn't want to improve oneself. The idea that wishing for a change which cannot be achieved might be harmful (to happiness at least) - but not the idea that someone shouldn't try to grow towards a better self. By respecting someone else's differing experience, I mean supporting rather than dictating their efforts. Who else could know who you want to become?
    - yew 14y ago
      That's a wonderful sentiment, but I really have to wonder, how far does it go? I've heard the same thing from other people who went on to protest scientific studies of sexuality or research on cochlear implants or a dozen other similar things, all on the grounds that such things were 'offensive' and 'destructive towards culture'. Maybe you don't believe these things. I have little enough reason to think you do. But once you actually have to choose between this group 'curing' themselves and that group 'protecting their culture', who do you have the most sympathy for?

by yew 14y ago

mdpye 14y ago

I'd like to understand this comment, but I'm afraid I can't fathom its relation to what you quoted. I meant to convey that the highly analytical mindset is lauded as a great strength here. The popularity of social skill self-help type articles on here also demonstrates that it is a strength with trade-offs. Y'know, like almost all differences in people's make ups. Sorry if we're talking at cross purposes.

yew 14y ago
Autism (along with all sorts of other things) isn't just 'a highly analytical mindset.' As you say, it has downsides. Which can be very unpleasant (and not just for other people, either). The idea that we should all just learn to except everybody for who they are, which in my experience is often coupled with the idea that wanting to change yourself is bad, is an idea that I am not a fan of, to put it lightly. I've heard it directed at myself to often for that.
- mdpye 14y ago
  Fair enough. I've never had a serious encounter with the opinion that one shouldn't want to improve oneself. The idea that wishing for a change which cannot be achieved might be harmful (to happiness at least) - but not the idea that someone shouldn't try to grow towards a better self. By respecting someone else's differing experience, I mean supporting rather than dictating their efforts. Who else could know who you want to become?
  - yew 14y ago
    That's a wonderful sentiment, but I really have to wonder, how far does it go? I've heard the same thing from other people who went on to protest scientific studies of sexuality or research on cochlear implants or a dozen other similar things, all on the grounds that such things were 'offensive' and 'destructive towards culture'. Maybe you don't believe these things. I have little enough reason to think you do. But once you actually have to choose between this group 'curing' themselves and that group 'protecting their culture', who do you have the most sympathy for?