Exactly what it means: the Smurfs were popularized in America by Hanna-Barbera, which is an American animation production company, so it's natural to assume that they came up with the idea of the Smurfs as well as their other hits.
Obviously this wasn't the case, but unless you were really into it, you might not have known.
I agree with you on your last point. Indeed it is possible for things to exist, and even flourish, outside of the USA. :)
@Suzie: the article referenced that the original email and subsequent correspondence with the lady came from the same computer. Most likely, they're the same person.
I disagree with you on a more general basis, namely cultural relativism, or the idea that because a different culture does things differently we cannot assign moral quality to what they do. Often, "culture" is an excuse for deplorable behavior and antiquated ways of thinking.
@Morten: According to paperworks filed by PETA to the State of Virginia, they euthanize 97% of dogs and cats and other animals they took into their shelters. In 2006, they managed to place only 12 animals into adoption.
Link (this is an official state document, not put out by any industry front group)
Thank you for taking the time to comment on this issue. I read your Response to Blog summary and found this passage:
The skin shock procedure involves administering a two-second shock(15mA or 45mA) to the surface of the skin of, typically, an arm or leg.The shock feels like a hard pinch. It has no side effects other than a very occasional reddening or discoloration of the skin that clears up in a few minutes or at most a few days. It is administered, in the average case, only once per week. With the help of this treatment, the behaviors of many students improve to a point where they no longer need the treatment. There are no negative side effects and many positive ones as has been found in a paper that has recently been accepted for publication, written by Wietske van Oorsouw incollaboration with JRC clinicians entitled, “Side Effects of Contingent Shock Treatment.” [See http://www.judgerc.org/SideEffectsContingent.pdf.]
So how did it go from 1 shock a week to 77 shocks in a three hour period?
The investigation by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care found there was first degree burn due to the shock device. When the two students complained of pain from the shocks and requested medical help, they weren't seen by the nurse until the following day.
The investigation was pretty damning:
The investigation has found sufficient evidence to conclude that staff ... was physically abusive towards two residents placed in the program. ... allegation of physical abuse of the residents ... and ... by staff .... It is the judgment of the Department that staff ... had engaged in conduct which bears adversely upon his ability to provide for the safety and well being of a child.
The investigation found sufficient evidence to conclude that the Stoughton House staff were neglectful in the care of residents ... and .... The program staff failed to protect the health and safety of the identified residents. ... the allegation of neglect of the residents by all staff. It is the judgment of the Department that the staff had engaged in conduct which bears adversely upon their inability to provide for the safety and well being of a child.
If that was a hoax, then the maker deserved a prize for creating an amazing illusion. I watched the video again - the way the fire danced on his hand is too good to be a CG effect.
Smurf no! :) My reasoning was that an American animation production company Hanna-Barbera popularized The Smurfs into a worldwide fame.
Obviously this wasn't the case, but unless you were really into it, you might not have known.
I agree with you on your last point. Indeed it is possible for things to exist, and even flourish, outside of the USA. :)
My thought was that he needed handrails for that stairway and railings on the bridge!
If we wait long enough, Jesus and his godisimaginary link spam (deleted now) will show up....
@tedwilson: 419 Eater has an interesting post on the Ethics of Scambaiting.
Let me answer your question how is scamming one of them morally acceptable for the other person? with another question: isn't turnabout fair play?
Unless it happens to a child, which sadly in many cases, it does (see Child Bride of Afghanistan).
I disagree with you on a more general basis, namely cultural relativism, or the idea that because a different culture does things differently we cannot assign moral quality to what they do. Often, "culture" is an excuse for deplorable behavior and antiquated ways of thinking.
Link (this is an official state document, not put out by any industry front group)
Thank you for taking the time to comment on this issue. I read your Response to Blog summary and found this passage:
The skin shock procedure involves administering a two-second shock(15mA or 45mA) to the surface of the skin of, typically, an arm or leg.The shock feels like a hard pinch. It has no side effects other than a very occasional reddening or discoloration of the skin that clears up in a few minutes or at most a few days. It is administered, in the average case, only once per week. With the help of this treatment, the behaviors of many students improve to a point where they no longer need the treatment. There are no negative side effects and many positive ones as has been found in a paper that has recently been accepted for publication, written by Wietske van Oorsouw incollaboration with JRC clinicians entitled, “Side Effects of Contingent
Shock Treatment.” [See
http://www.judgerc.org/SideEffectsContingent.pdf.]
So how did it go from 1 shock a week to 77 shocks in a three hour period?
The investigation by Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care found there was first degree burn due to the shock device. When the two students complained of pain from the shocks and requested medical help, they weren't seen by the nurse until the following day.
The investigation was pretty damning:
The investigation has found sufficient evidence to conclude that staff ... was physically abusive towards two residents placed in the program. ... allegation of physical abuse of the residents ... and ... by staff .... It is the judgment of the Department that staff ... had engaged in conduct which bears adversely upon his ability to provide for the safety and well being of a child.
The investigation found sufficient evidence to conclude that the Stoughton House staff were neglectful in the care of residents ... and .... The program staff failed to protect the health and safety of the identified residents. ... the allegation of neglect of the residents by all staff. It is the judgment of the Department that the staff had engaged in conduct which bears adversely upon their inability to provide for the safety and well being of a child.
After reading the story, all I could think of was "Thanks, Mom!" (wave with two hands...)
The website is back up - though it's slow. I don't think Neatorama's farked it up - we're too nice of a blog to do such mean things. :)