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| Erosion on a foot track near Levanto Italy 2010 |
The main ingredients were mockery and criticism.
“There is no proof of mankind’s effect on climate change”
“The scientists are deluded”
“Don’t know what they’re talking about” came the thoughtless, derailing monologue.
Wisely there was no personal ridicule, but the disappointing attitude of self-righteousness and arrogance was frustrating.
All expressed vehemently without understanding or acknowledging my concern for my daughter’s psychological well-being.
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| After rain, the shaley track is treacherous. Stone steps have been washed away leaving exposed tree roots and slippery, sticky mud. |
A drabble is a story told in 100 words, no more, no less.
(I find the difficulty with conversations that have been derailed like this, is my disinclination to share as I had planned even when eventually invited to do so. I tend to be left feeling that I have simply served as a ... I'm not sure what - polite sponge perhaps - whatever it is, I want to learn how to be a bit more assertive to prevent it happening again. I realised later that I hadn't even mentioned the words 'climate change' knowing how negatively it would be received...hrmph)
9 comments:
Very interesting, thought provoking piece. Thanks.
I exchange jokes by Email with a number of folks on the internet, all of whom I know personally. I've recently had to reprimand one guy who amongst his jokes sends racist propoganda Emails. He replied describing me in words of four letters. I'm bruised by this encounter and other similar ones, but what alternative is there - listen to deeply offensive, hatred promoting nonsense and stay quiet as if it's all okay, or speak up and be counted, and abused, and probably hated. It's a tough call. I favour speaking up, but all too often I don't because it feels futile and confrontational.
Very good drabble. Even mentioning global change can start an argument. And yet at times it seems so obvious.
Boonie, I'm trying to find the right word to express how I feel that you have been subjected to this from a 'friend', perhaps sorrow fits the bill best. I feel deeply that you acted appropriately; to remain silent is to give tacit consent, and that is wrong. If it's any consolation, you're not alone in speaking up and antagonizing people. Unfortunately, my skin is just not thick enough.
I think I'll revisit this theme. Thankyou for commenting. Take care, and have a bonzer week with the lovely Mrs S.
Helen, thankyou! Strange how the obvious can be anything but to those who choose not to see.
Thanks for your kind response. I agree that this is a theme with a lot of mileage in it.
Re Racism: I am very anti, but I know that I am in a tiny minority. It became obvious to me many years ago that if I didn't wish to be ostracised by my most of my peers then I would do best to remain silent. However, sometimes the offence is too much and so I feel compelled by my own conscience and self respect to speak up. Nobody hears the other side speak (that includes me) but at least I sleep with a clear conscience by not having given tacit consent.
Have a good week, Boonie
I'm a mother and a teacher. I worry all the time both the "psychic numbing" we all have to do to get by without dying of heartbreak over the state of the planet and humankind and about the courage it takes to face it. You have good reason to worry about your daughter's psychological well-being. My own daughter is a humanist to a fault, will be getting a MSW and working with very disadvantaged people. I have the same level of worry for her in that regard.
I like your blog. Will bookmark.
Best,
Gina
Gina, thankyou for your thoughtful, perceptive comment. I hadn't thought about protecting oneself as being psychic numbing, but it is a perfect (distressing) description.
I'd like to explore this a bit more too - how to face it all without becoming overwhelmed. How to be both open and protected. Boonie, if you read this, do you have anything to add from your, or Mrs S's perspective?
Gina, Could you tell me what MSW is?
Came back today to tell you I gave you the Stylish Blogger Award on my blog, Straight From Hel...because you are indeed stylish.
Sue, MSW is a masters of social work.
thankyou Helen! I'll pop over right now.
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