I don't think there is a problem with ranting.
I think there is a bigger problem when people STOP ranting.
I've discovered that there IS something worse than being indignant - BEING APATHETIC.
Indifference and apathy are far and away worse than exasperation.
People around me have been piqued lately about several issues. For a moment I was indifferent. And then when I had that realization, I got very sad.........
How do we stop this tidal wave of indifference?
17 comments:
I know the feeling...
I know the feeling...
This is appropriate for Election Day. If we are apathetic about voting, we'll get what we deserve for our apathy!
Maybe sometimes it's apathy, but a whole lot of the time it's being swamped by just too many things that need ranting about, so swamped that it seems impossible to escape the undertow, impossible to push your head above the pounding waves and yell HELP NOW!
In other words.. you can't see the forest because of the trees!
Please elaborate
I agree with you. Especially regarding local issues. Everyone knows Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya who wants to infect the US with swine flu through vaccines, but most people don't know the most important local issues that effect their lives most directly.
That said, often there are people who can be strongly passionate about an issue that really isn't an issue for you. I, obviously, don't know the particulars of what you're vaguely referring to, but on a more global level, it may not be indifference it could be disagreement. Meaning, if someone is up in arms because, for example, something is happening in school that they have an issue with, it isn't apathy if you don't think their issue is AN issue.
along the lines of ProfK: I would call it a tidal wave of exhaustion, not indifference. And in my case, exhaustion is directly related to yeshiva tuition.
well I read your blog for the YEKKISH Factor :) (however that may express itself)...
sorry, I think it's something else. Blogging when you first get into it is new, exciting, something to look forward to when you turn on your computer. But like a new Chanuka toy, sweater, or salad recipe, after a while it isn't as thrilling. So our generation moves on to other new exciting pursuits. But hang in there- just like your old skirt from high school is now SO in, and the chicken and capers recipe is renamed by Susie Fischbein and is very popular, so too blogging and commenting will return to popularity, and people will once again become animated, opinionated, and indignant...
Hey you should blog about my wedding
Yekkishe Bekishe -
I did think that this post fit nicely with today's elections. Thanks for pointing that out.
Cuzzin -
I was talking IRL (in real life) not merely in the blogosphere......
Louisa -
The post is ready to go.
I was simply waiting for permission ;)
Without details, I'm not sure what to say, except in the most vague terms. From my experience, indifference comes from two major sources:
1) Too many competing priorities ("I care about this issue, but I can't do anything about it right now because all my resources are devoted to…")
2) Lack of belief that change is possible. ("Nobody listens anyway, so why should I get involved?").
There's also comfort in being part of the majority, and a natural reluctance to "make waves."
Here's hoping that things go well!
who cares!
:)
Shaya G -
LOL!!!!
efrex -
I think you've hit the nail on the head with your #2 and (unnumbered) #3..... The question is: What does one do about it?
History is rife with stories of people standing idly by when they could have DONE SOMETHING....
that is one of the great things about having a blog. I used to just sit around and maybe mutter when something happened that I didnt like. I have no influence and couldnt work to change anything, especially things in communities I have nothing to do with. Eventually you just stop caring.
Now I have a blog and can kvetch as much as I want. Despite the fact that it rarely changes anything (though when it does affect a situation it is very fulfilling), at least I know that I am doing what I can, I am voicing my protest, I am suggesting an alternative (not that it matters), etc. At least I feel I am doing my part.
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