Re: Male vs Female Abuse towards children

[JTabin@xxxxxxx]

Well, Maria Robinson just took this conversation, which was already one of 
the more interesting ones we've had in a while, up to a new level. And most 
of her points are well-taken.

However, I want to suggest there is a danger in eliminating the concept of 
'blame', (as there is danger in eliminating 'guilt' and 'shame' and 
'forgiveness'). If human beings have 'volition', then we can be held to 
account for our behavior. But if we have no 'volition', then a tremendous 
amount of the work of every one in the social services and in criminal 
justice is pure nonsense. 

Is there really any difference between 'accepting responsibility' and 'taking 
the blame'? Isn't the difference just spin? Or maybe timing? We can accept 
responsibility before we've done something harmful and therefore avoid taking 
blame. Or having done something harmful, we can accept the responsibility, 
take the blame and try of undo the harm. 

And isn't it also the case, that in the absence of 'volition', the entire 
concept of 'virtue' (male, female or gender-free) is out the window?

As it happens, this topic links to one I am currently advancing with a small, 
personal list discussing bipolar disorder. I will offer up some of that and 
see if the moderators think it is useful to this list.

Janet Tabin
(Am I in the fray?)