If we ever want a society that works, we need to forego knee-jerk corrections in favor of listening to what others are trying to say. Even if the words they use aren’t entirely precise and do not meet our high standards for communication.
Yes, that last is a tad of sarcasm. I find it hard to read what passes for human interaction in this era, and the derailment here is not the fault of AJ Butler.
Every single one of us has a different map for navigating the landscape, based on our experiences and upbringing. Often, what we say to each other is misinterpreted because we’re talking to others whose maps are very different from our own.
Instead of trying to make a point and win the argument every time, it would help us all if we could try to get past our own limitations and make a concerted effort to understand perspectives foreign to us.
For the record, I’m a rape survivor, and I was also subjected to various abuses at the hands of certain men over a period of years. So I know that happens from my very own experience.
I once saw a judge give custody of our client’s minor child to his psychologically-impaired, abusive mother solely because he was afraid she would commit suicide if he did not. So that’s something else I know from my very own experience.
For every example, you can find a counter example. Not helpful.
Empathy breeds empathy. Give it try.
