Recently I've both observed and experienced how neutral observations or comments can be used as a springboard for some to launch bombastic reactions and attacks.
A friend recently wrote an article about how a particular bicycle platform (recumbent) was excluded from world class cycling competition in the mid-1930's. He noted how Hitler was gaining influence in the world during that time.
A reader of his article jumped on him for mentioning Hitler, accusing him of maligning the memory of the millions who suffered under Nazism.
I recently asked a cyclist how she would train for an extremely challenging endurance event that included more than 33,000 feet of climbing over 500 miles in 48 hours. She lives in a flat location. The cyclist unloaded a skreed, defending herself, accusing me of being critical, followed up with a dollop of semi-hysterical insults.
The only way to understand this kind of behavior is to be sympathetic to the pain these folks are experiencing. A pain that is so very much `on the surface' that it generates an explosion of offense.
If we live long enough we get the opportunity to see ourselves in others.
well said.
ReplyDeleteDan...Chris from DC. Greetings! Will be in AZ & would like to assist/join you with RAAM support 12/13 June at Congress, if you can use some help.
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