"Rasputin Returns: David Jacobs versus Emma Woods" on Speculative Realms

A well written piece on the public ungluing of Dr. David Jacobs by Gary Haden on Speculative Realms: Rasputin Returns: David Jacobs versus Emma Woods.

I know I want to say something about this whole case, but it's difficult to do when, firstly, I don't know either Woods or Jacobs. So many others have also commented, and once that starts, there quickly becomes a point where it's just more noise added to the very real and very intimate lives of two people. Frankly, from what I've observed from my armchair, I don't care much about Jacob's, but Woods is not an object, and both are human beings.  Anything said should be said carefully, and respectfully. That's a given in most cases ... On the other hand, Jacobs behavior is so bizarre and appalling that it should be addressed. We all know that the mainstream and psycho-skeptics will use this as their banner of "proof" serious study of UFOs is ridiculous and now, truly dangerous; one more reason academia needs to stay out of such nonsensical areas. Haden avoids adding just "noise" to this issue, he writes an excellent post about this mess.

One thing that struck me right away about this whole mess was Jacob's obvious manipulations that transcended UFO, alien, paranormal, or high strangeness topics; and that was his general attitude.  You can replace the topic with anything (disputes over UFOs, golf, whatever) and it's the same: one person using clumsy but non-relenting manipulative tactics over another. One tactic in particular is Jacob's "gas lighting" of Emma Woods, in where he labels her as having psychological disorders, such as "borderline personality disorder." (Jacobs is not that kind of doctor, his degree is in history.) A tactic used by those in authority or who need to be dominant, whether in sexual relationships, business, academic, etc. One (often male) labeling the other "crazy," interspersed with threats, whether they're physical, or more subtle.

It's also been interesting following what others have to say about this, starting with Paratopia's interview of Woods, and some of the downright scary, noxious responses to Woods, Paratopia hosts Vaeni and Ritzman, etc.


Anyway, Rasputin Returns is excellent; well written, but importantly, the content is the thing, and links are provided to the articles and sources he cites.  I encourage you to read it.

thanks to Lesley at Debris Field for link.