Morning Rob, last night I wrote a really long reply here, but it seems it didn't post (something I suspected immediately, but thought I'd double check). Obviously, It was in agreement. I was saying how I like to intentionally say challenging things to my teenage children to get a reaction, and then we analyse that reaction. Now, I think they are probably bored of this game, but it does bring me endless amounts of fun, knowing I'm slowly desensitising them from the sesspool of unchallengable kindness that is the school system.
That sounds like a brilliant way to acclimate your teens to the real world! Unfortunately, I was raised in a household where feelings were constantly hurt by *everything* said. It was a nightmare. I have had to struggle throughout my life to learn how to know when to take something seriously and when not to. 30 years in mining was the best training I could have ever had. If I hadn't learned that just because some guy says, "I don't care what anyone else says about you, I think you're okay" doesn't mean they don't like you. On the contrary, they were giving me a compliment. It is imperative that we re-learn that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names (words) can never hurt me." With all of the psychobabble in society anymore, we are now in a situation where "speech is violence" because someone went home crying because of what someone "said" to them. It is so frustrating! Thanks so much for checking out my post Rob! Means a lot to me.
Your posts are a pleasure to read Rob. Its like fatherly wisdom that everyone should read. And as my mum says "Other peoples opinions of me none of my business". That always works for me.
One blurb I read or heard years ago that I try to remember (for those times when I can tend to be a bit paranoid) is: "What someone says about me behind my back is none of my business."
Agree completely Rob. I too am a "free speech absolutist". For exactly the same reasons you so eloquently pointed out.
Thanks AndyinBC! Good to see you. :)
Morning Rob, last night I wrote a really long reply here, but it seems it didn't post (something I suspected immediately, but thought I'd double check). Obviously, It was in agreement. I was saying how I like to intentionally say challenging things to my teenage children to get a reaction, and then we analyse that reaction. Now, I think they are probably bored of this game, but it does bring me endless amounts of fun, knowing I'm slowly desensitising them from the sesspool of unchallengable kindness that is the school system.
That sounds like a brilliant way to acclimate your teens to the real world! Unfortunately, I was raised in a household where feelings were constantly hurt by *everything* said. It was a nightmare. I have had to struggle throughout my life to learn how to know when to take something seriously and when not to. 30 years in mining was the best training I could have ever had. If I hadn't learned that just because some guy says, "I don't care what anyone else says about you, I think you're okay" doesn't mean they don't like you. On the contrary, they were giving me a compliment. It is imperative that we re-learn that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names (words) can never hurt me." With all of the psychobabble in society anymore, we are now in a situation where "speech is violence" because someone went home crying because of what someone "said" to them. It is so frustrating! Thanks so much for checking out my post Rob! Means a lot to me.
Your posts are a pleasure to read Rob. Its like fatherly wisdom that everyone should read. And as my mum says "Other peoples opinions of me none of my business". That always works for me.
One blurb I read or heard years ago that I try to remember (for those times when I can tend to be a bit paranoid) is: "What someone says about me behind my back is none of my business."
Great arguments for freedom of speech! I can't stand phoniness either, Rob.