At first it was a good laugh, but brought to mind something that happened about 40 years ago.
An old guy I barely knew grabbed a young girl who had stepped off the curb into traffic. Instead of being grateful,she accused him of inappropriate touching. Things escalated, but two days later she retracted her statement, but by then the guy had committed suicide.
Not your usual humorous piece, but very important to relate.
Long ago, Alan Toffler warned of Future Shock. The idea that technology and the future is coming so fast that people are disoriented by it, fearful. Just this morning, CBS reported that the iPhone is now 10 years old and pointed out the revolution that it has created.
When we get almost instantaneous information of bad things happening in our neighborhood and across the world, we began to think that bad things are happening to us all. Unfortunately, like extreme violence sells movies, reporting bad things first, gets views, ratings, and sponsorship money. While the bad may be only about 1 or 2% of our society, we may get the perception that it's 50% from the reporting we get.
Probably the best way for people to overcome this kind of fear that develops, is to get out in their community more often and meet their neighbors, open up and talk to strangers and go to places that one might feel uncomfortable. I have done that and found very good people everywhere. Don't let the headlines run your life.
As long as the mother was right there, I believe the entire situation could have been easily resolved. She could have asked, "Hello. Do I know you?". 'Just sayin'.
A lot of truth intertwined in this poetic gem. Many things in the media cause folks to judge too quickly. "Many have been accused with guilt by association or profile is that of a thief. So before this guy had a chance to explain it was too late and he took a beating from a perfect stranger while trying to do something good. Good grief! Well done Tom!
Timeless wisdom and advice on the art of living for today’s young and old: The art of thinking, the art of loving, the art of working, the art of leadership, the art of growing old.
A new translation by Sergio E. Serrano of this inspirationa
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An old guy I barely knew grabbed a young girl who had stepped off the curb into traffic. Instead of being grateful,she accused him of inappropriate touching. Things escalated, but two days later she retracted her statement, but by then the guy had committed suicide.
Long ago, Alan Toffler warned of Future Shock. The idea that technology and the future is coming so fast that people are disoriented by it, fearful. Just this morning, CBS reported that the iPhone is now 10 years old and pointed out the revolution that it has created.
When we get almost instantaneous information of bad things happening in our neighborhood and across the world, we began to think that bad things are happening to us all. Unfortunately, like extreme violence sells movies, reporting bad things first, gets views, ratings, and sponsorship money. While the bad may be only about 1 or 2% of our society, we may get the perception that it's 50% from the reporting we get.
Probably the best way for people to overcome this kind of fear that develops, is to get out in their community more often and meet their neighbors, open up and talk to strangers and go to places that one might feel uncomfortable. I have done that and found very good people everywhere. Don't let the headlines run your life.
Ron
Love ya!
Jane