From: Andrew Phelps <phelps@cwnet.com>
To: Mental Health Activism and Advocacy <actmad@actmad.net>
Sent: Fri Dec 12 8:39 PST
Subject: Re: [Actmad] Levin on torture
Jkl:
The problem for me with this comment is that "torture" has been reduced to certain practices where as challenging general processes based on manipulation by "learned helplessness" are not part of the general advocacy seen on ACTMAD, or not sufficiently. For instance, I don't find the reduction of the behavior management question to a matter of "identity" to be satisfactory. A full advocacy against torture is now becoming necessary due to change of social conditions, and like I said half measures won't be enough.
This is really a personal response to your comments and I would only consider following up on this offline. I did have the opportunity to see some of upstate NY during the Hallowe'en Buffalo experience.
:-)Andrew
On Fri Dec 12 9:18 EST, Jkl sent:
Andrew,
Your "client/survivor Internet" phrase does not help me in this dialogue, nor is it clear to me what you are proposing for ACTMAD. However, many of us, particularly we the people who identify ourselves as survivors of psychiatric atrocities — often have many opportunities daily to bring up and discuss the reality of torture. Basically my position is that pressured, coerced, or forced psychiatric is torture — and if an individual is a party to such an offense against humanity he or she is an enemy to humanity. My duty requires that these people be confronted and, if possible, re-humanized.
And I believe it is equally important to help liberate people who are victims of organized psychiatry and help bring hope and healing to them.
With purpose,
Jkl