That’s what I hear when I listen to the media: “I care more than you do.”
Today there was another tragic gun related mass murder. This time at a school in Connecticut. As is always the case in injury or death to children, some will claim they have more sympathy for those effected because they are parents. They don’t state it that way, but that’s the implication of their unreasoned words.
This is itself unsympathetic and self-important.
“I think it’s important on a day like today to view this as I know the president, as a father does and I as a father and others who are parents certainly do, which is to feel enormous sympathy for families that are affected and …” -White House spokesman Jay Carney [CNN]
Here’s what I hear:
“You uncaring, un-empathetic, asshole non-breeders and gays can’t possibly be moved by human tragedy because it involves pre-adult children and you obviously don’t like children …”
When there were several tragedies in the NFL in the last two weeks, I didn’t hear anyone say “I was a high school quarterback, so i really feel for the families of those effected [like others can’t be] …”
When there was a movie theater tragedy, I didn’t hear anyone say “I used to be a ticket puller and saw the three previous Batman movies, so I really feel for the families of those effected …”
It’s ridiculous. And it’s rude.
I’ve known many, many people in my lifetime and their ability for compassion has never seemed to be related to whether or not they had successfully procreated.
Well put, Bill. I was just thinking the same thing watching the news coverage.
Here’s what I hear:
“Since the murder of a child makes me think immediately of how I’d feel if I lost my own child, I am far more easily manipulated by the media sensation surround such events than you are.”
Even if it’s true, I still hate it.
I call it “Competitive Grieving” and used to see it quite a bit when I worked with adolescents.
I want to to thank you for this wonderful read!!
I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
[Ed: Since this was somewhat generic, and I don’t know this person, and I receive many spam posts that fit in those guidelines, I have edited this to remove link-back information. Since it seems sincere, I have approved it as a comment.