The only way to avoid disappointment and disillusionment is to not have any expectations or even desires of what we'd want from other people. I couldn't live like that either. We can only keep living in ways that we, ourselves, feel are compassionate and in line with our values. We can't assume others will live up to that. But I don't think we should give up on our own values.
So many people have no idea what they are saying or talking about or any experience with the "others" and will go along with the very worst attitudes and ideas. It's pure ignorance. It's just sad.
Oh Jon, that is disappointing. I will never understand racism, and witnessed way too much in my lifetime. Every time it feels like we’re going forward, a tragedy happens , and it’s disheartening. May we teach the children that racism and bullying is not acceptable. We are here to help each other, and love and compassion are virtues we all need to acquire.
I agree with Dr. Sherry. I also think much of the racism and fascism comes from ignorance-fueled fear handed down by parents, peers, and the press; fear will cause people to do and say things that they probably otherwise wouldn’t. Moreover, in the wake of 24 hour news and social media, we’re immersed in a fear-inducing environment, with which many cannot cope effectively.
Just keep on following your own principles regardless.
Jon: You are so right about the thought process that leads to this kind of thinking—small samples and stereotypes become generalized to demonize large groups of people. Maybe it’s in our DNA or human nature or innate somehow as an evolved protective device passed down from our early human tribal ancestors, but it has no legitimate place in modern day thinking. Yet there it is, a still-common pattern. May we someday unlearn this pattern of thought. Blessings, Bob
As a critical thinker, I find myself spending more and more time at home feeding my head with as much culture as possible. I have always been a voracious reader but now spending time immersed in a book is almost my only social life.
I can relate. Back when I was still working and had connected with many colleagues on LinkedIn, they appeared intelligent, hardworking, and successful in their career. Face to face they seemed normal or at least someone who didn’t seem too extreme to the right.
But then they began voicing their thoughts in LinkedIn posts, especially during 45’s first reign of terror. Very pro-tRump. The misogyny, the racism, the xenophobia was clearly conveyed. And very pro-business to the detriment of consumers (especially de-regulation of consumer finance protections). And these people were in jobs related to federal bank supervision and regulation!!! How hypocritical and antithetical is that!!!
I disconnected from all of them, and last year I closed my account. What a disappointment, indeed!
Edit: I have traveled to many Muslim countries (Iran, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, UAE, and have met wonderfully kind people. My travel experiences broadened my understanding and perspectives of people of all races, ethnicities, and religions in a very positive way.
I too despise people who stereotype because of few bad apples.
Each religion has their dark side and its good side. Just have to put up with the tolerance level. The Catholics started wars, Templars and holy war. They killed Gnostics. The Jews don't like anyone that wasn't Jewish. Each religion has its problems. God gets mad too. All the Gods are flawed. Buddha was prince who found Nirvana. There are shades to everything. Shades of Grey. The truth lives in the middle path. It is like Goldilocks, not too hot, not too cold but just right. I like to judge people on character not their religion. Each religion has its good and bad traits like humans. The glass can always be filled again. Humans can be both good and evil. We are only judged in the eyes of God. there is birth and rebirth. We all fall, we all rise. That is life. Think before you throw stones. There is evil in the world and we fight it. Don't stoop to their level. Give it at least 5 seconds. Thanks for reminding us. Critical thinking is important.
It is *very* disappointing. Unfortunately, it feels really common, too. . For example, everyone older than me in my family (immediate and extended) is racist. 😡
Critical thinking also involves speaking with her and trying to understand what made her say that. Especially if you thought she was smart. It's a two-way street.
It’s tough, Jon.
So many people we think would otherwise be intelligent turn out to have so a dark streak of malice, unfounded and completely misplaced.
I have lost a lot of respect in this process and the relationship is very negatively affected.
It’s always deflating when someone we know disappoints us. I’m sorry.
The only way to avoid disappointment and disillusionment is to not have any expectations or even desires of what we'd want from other people. I couldn't live like that either. We can only keep living in ways that we, ourselves, feel are compassionate and in line with our values. We can't assume others will live up to that. But I don't think we should give up on our own values.
Well written and helpful thank you.
We all need helpful reminders that we're not alone, especially these days
So many people have no idea what they are saying or talking about or any experience with the "others" and will go along with the very worst attitudes and ideas. It's pure ignorance. It's just sad.
I agree
Oh Jon, that is disappointing. I will never understand racism, and witnessed way too much in my lifetime. Every time it feels like we’re going forward, a tragedy happens , and it’s disheartening. May we teach the children that racism and bullying is not acceptable. We are here to help each other, and love and compassion are virtues we all need to acquire.
Thank you Jo-Ann for your thoughtful response.
You’re welcome, Jon
I agree with Dr. Sherry. I also think much of the racism and fascism comes from ignorance-fueled fear handed down by parents, peers, and the press; fear will cause people to do and say things that they probably otherwise wouldn’t. Moreover, in the wake of 24 hour news and social media, we’re immersed in a fear-inducing environment, with which many cannot cope effectively.
Just keep on following your own principles regardless.
I appreciate your feedback which is very helpful.
Jon: You are so right about the thought process that leads to this kind of thinking—small samples and stereotypes become generalized to demonize large groups of people. Maybe it’s in our DNA or human nature or innate somehow as an evolved protective device passed down from our early human tribal ancestors, but it has no legitimate place in modern day thinking. Yet there it is, a still-common pattern. May we someday unlearn this pattern of thought. Blessings, Bob
I know far too many people like this ... They are also the ones who attack anyone at anytime .. especially friends.
As a critical thinker, I find myself spending more and more time at home feeding my head with as much culture as possible. I have always been a voracious reader but now spending time immersed in a book is almost my only social life.
this is a good plan
I can relate. Back when I was still working and had connected with many colleagues on LinkedIn, they appeared intelligent, hardworking, and successful in their career. Face to face they seemed normal or at least someone who didn’t seem too extreme to the right.
But then they began voicing their thoughts in LinkedIn posts, especially during 45’s first reign of terror. Very pro-tRump. The misogyny, the racism, the xenophobia was clearly conveyed. And very pro-business to the detriment of consumers (especially de-regulation of consumer finance protections). And these people were in jobs related to federal bank supervision and regulation!!! How hypocritical and antithetical is that!!!
I disconnected from all of them, and last year I closed my account. What a disappointment, indeed!
Edit: I have traveled to many Muslim countries (Iran, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, UAE, and have met wonderfully kind people. My travel experiences broadened my understanding and perspectives of people of all races, ethnicities, and religions in a very positive way.
I too despise people who stereotype because of few bad apples.
Thank you for this
Each religion has their dark side and its good side. Just have to put up with the tolerance level. The Catholics started wars, Templars and holy war. They killed Gnostics. The Jews don't like anyone that wasn't Jewish. Each religion has its problems. God gets mad too. All the Gods are flawed. Buddha was prince who found Nirvana. There are shades to everything. Shades of Grey. The truth lives in the middle path. It is like Goldilocks, not too hot, not too cold but just right. I like to judge people on character not their religion. Each religion has its good and bad traits like humans. The glass can always be filled again. Humans can be both good and evil. We are only judged in the eyes of God. there is birth and rebirth. We all fall, we all rise. That is life. Think before you throw stones. There is evil in the world and we fight it. Don't stoop to their level. Give it at least 5 seconds. Thanks for reminding us. Critical thinking is important.
Well written and helpful thank you Rebecca.
It is *very* disappointing. Unfortunately, it feels really common, too. . For example, everyone older than me in my family (immediate and extended) is racist. 😡
I am sorry for your disappointment, Jon.
I had a similar experience here not too long ago.
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I was left in shock and a funk that took a hot moment to even take in the scope of what I had read.
But I did get through it when I realized I would rather know that person’s disgusting thoughts than to not know them.
Racism is an ugly short circuit devaluation of human lives.
As you said it shows a lack of critical thinking among other things.
I have no patience with it or its carriers.
Thanks Kat
Critical thinking also involves speaking with her and trying to understand what made her say that. Especially if you thought she was smart. It's a two-way street.
Sorry to read your note, my friend. Take care …
So ?
💩
What makes you the one who dictates others beliefs