>
>
>Perhaps it's just my persistent optimism, but I don't see this as being
>necessarily true. Which do *you* remember and believe, the person on the
>ventilator or the tobacco exec.? Why should we expect that other people
>are not able to understand just as well?
>
>To me, it is analogous to the freedom of speech issue. Many human rights
>activists I know feel that the best way to combat negative, racist
>statements is to simply continue to speak and act with integrity,
>presenting their point of view. They have faith in the intelligence
>which they are trying to build, just as they believe in being the change
>they want to see. OK, I admit it is incremental... Growing
>world-changing quantities of goodness take time. :-)
>
>Think of how many mothers learn about breastfeeding and mothering from
>their babies, who don't feel the need to argue with the authorities.
>These babies just do their thing, and naturally win the love and respect
>and admiration of everyone they need to have on their side. I'm still
>learning from their style -- what class!
>
>Jo-Anne Elder-Gomes, PhD, IBCLC
>

Excellent points, Jo-Anne. And I am one of those human rights activists
myself, so perhaps that is where I am coming from.

I would also like to point out that I truly dislike the scare tactics
used to "make" people buckle up their kids, or stop smoking. Sometimes
the end justifies the means... but not always. As a general rule, fear
is not a good long-term motivator. It has certain short term benefits,
yes, but it doesn't tend to change behavior permanently (last time I
read the research.)

Here is what I wish for in 2004: a good Rap or Hip-Hop song about the
beauty of babies at breast. How about we fund a couple of those? ;-)

Remaining in the ranks of the persistantly optimistic,

Susan



             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html