The instinct to defend ourselves was part of how we have survived to these modern times. But oh how it has spun out of control!
It is one thing to band together to ward off attack by wild animals or a neighboring group that seeks their survival at the cost of our own. But now we act as though the smallest insult (intended or only perceived) is cause to verbally and financially assault any comers.
I recently read an article by a college instructor who wrote anonymously to discuss a situation so egregious on our college and university campuses that he feared for his livelihood if he spoke publicly about it. It seems that students can now lay a claim against any professor that says anything that is personally offensive to them (all knowing and utterly perfect that these newly minted adults are) and this includes reading a quote from another age to discuss how attitudes have changed! In other words, the professor does not have to actually disagrees with the student's views, only suggest that it is worthwhile to discuss past or alternative ideas!
A disagreement at a party does not mean someone goes home made; it means a fight breaks out and weapons may be involved. A cyber bully tells lies and we rush to demand all protections for our children except that most important ones of helping them to: (1) turn off the electronics; (2) be encouraged and counseled by loving family and (3) get involved in activities where they can make new friends and begin appreciating their own gifts and talents! Because those skills will carry them into adult life in the world and workplace where bullies will always be lurking, even if they are bullies against bullying!
There is so much good that we are called to do: acts of kindness to do, people to comfort, people to feed, children to mentor and tutor and coach, that we really do not have time to waste being sorry for ourselves or demanding respect rather than attracting it. When we want to be respected, we need to show respect; When we want a friend, we need to be a friend to some else. When we want to be educated, we need to help others to learn. This builds strength, ability, power, security, hope and a future for ourselves and our loved ones.
I guess this is not a new issues, since St. Paul wrote this nealy 2,000 years ago: Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15.
My friends, this is a full time job.
It is one thing to band together to ward off attack by wild animals or a neighboring group that seeks their survival at the cost of our own. But now we act as though the smallest insult (intended or only perceived) is cause to verbally and financially assault any comers.
I recently read an article by a college instructor who wrote anonymously to discuss a situation so egregious on our college and university campuses that he feared for his livelihood if he spoke publicly about it. It seems that students can now lay a claim against any professor that says anything that is personally offensive to them (all knowing and utterly perfect that these newly minted adults are) and this includes reading a quote from another age to discuss how attitudes have changed! In other words, the professor does not have to actually disagrees with the student's views, only suggest that it is worthwhile to discuss past or alternative ideas!
A disagreement at a party does not mean someone goes home made; it means a fight breaks out and weapons may be involved. A cyber bully tells lies and we rush to demand all protections for our children except that most important ones of helping them to: (1) turn off the electronics; (2) be encouraged and counseled by loving family and (3) get involved in activities where they can make new friends and begin appreciating their own gifts and talents! Because those skills will carry them into adult life in the world and workplace where bullies will always be lurking, even if they are bullies against bullying!
There is so much good that we are called to do: acts of kindness to do, people to comfort, people to feed, children to mentor and tutor and coach, that we really do not have time to waste being sorry for ourselves or demanding respect rather than attracting it. When we want to be respected, we need to show respect; When we want a friend, we need to be a friend to some else. When we want to be educated, we need to help others to learn. This builds strength, ability, power, security, hope and a future for ourselves and our loved ones.
I guess this is not a new issues, since St. Paul wrote this nealy 2,000 years ago: Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15.
My friends, this is a full time job.
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