Comments on: A follow-up on why I don’t protest

By: Caitriona

Caitriona — Thu, 02 Jun 2005 10:37:34 +0000

It’s almost easier to talk about my many failings at marriage than it is to admit that sometimes, I really, really, really want to punch people, break windows, and so forth.

Hugo,

We *all* feel that way sometimes.

Some people think it is natural and normal. Those are the ones, IME, who say things like, “Boys will be boys.”

Some people think it is a part of our sinful nature, something we must be ashamed of, hide away, and fight daily. Those are the ones, IME, who are filled with guilt over every “bad” thought or deed they’ve ever had, which then colors the way they’re able to live their lives. I’ve found this to be an unhealthy perspective.

And then there are people who see this as something we need to acknowledge in ourselves, while accepting that peaceful means are more effective. These are the ones, IME, who are most successful at addressing violence issues and helping others learn more peaceful ways of dealing with life. I’d much rather go to someone who can say, “I understand what you’re going through. Sometimes I feel that way, too. Here’s how I deal with it when that happens.”

Here’s what our 17yo’s managers tell him when something like this comes up:

“You made a mistake. You’re human. Humans mess up sometimes. Learn from it. Turn it into a growing experience. Do better next time.”

I’ve found that to be good advice.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 15:17:49 +0000

I was chanting and yelling just as I had back in 1985, lost in my own self-righteous rage and the madness of the crowd. My heart was racing, the blood was pumping; I was having an almost out-of-body experience.

This story reminds me of the story about those guys that dragged that truck driver, Reginald Denny, out of his truck during the Rodney King riots in LA.

That was their story too. That they were caught up in the croud mentality, and that was the reason they nearly beat that guy to death with a brick and danced around him after they had done so. If I recall, the Jury found them innocent.

Thinking about history, there have been so many incidences where crouds simply went rabid. Soccer matches, Kent State, Watts. Humans are pretty scary when they run in packs..

By: Hugo

Hugo — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 14:09:34 +0000

Yes, John, Anabaptism drew me because I know well how much violence lurks within me. Lord knows, I’ve come a long way in this area. It’s funny how embarrassing it is to admit. It’s almost easier to talk about my many failings at marriage than it is to admit that sometimes, I really, really, really want to punch people, break windows, and so forth.

By: mercedes

mercedes — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 10:38:23 +0000

Actually, Trotsky would have gone out there again and dragged his wife along with him if the cause would have been of importance to him.

By: John

John — Tue, 31 May 2005 22:15:57 +0000

Ditto to Bill, Hugo. When you said you were a violent person trying to be peaceful, I didn’t take you that literally. I can see the attraction of Anabaptism.

By: Bill Ekhardt

Bill Ekhardt — Tue, 31 May 2005 22:13:16 +0000

That’s a disturbing story, Hugo. I am glad that you see the benefit of avoiding such a situation where you lose site of the danger you present to others.

By: djw

djw — Tue, 31 May 2005 22:08:01 +0000

In sixth grade, I decided I was a Communist after listening to Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition (another long story).

Ah, communism conversions. Mine came around 6th grade as well, but is far less aesthetically sophisticated. I did a book report on What Is To Be Done? The poor 22 year old student teacher seemed very confused.

By: Hugo

Hugo — Tue, 31 May 2005 21:05:09 +0000

Barb, they didn’t have leftist rhetoric; they were objects not subjects. Especially under former police chief Gates, leftist rhetoric viewed the LAPD and the Pentagon as linked. They were (and still are) the objects of all sorts of conspiracy theories from my friends on the far left.

By: Caitriona

Caitriona — Tue, 31 May 2005 20:49:00 +0000

Hugo,

You should try a rally in Austin. They’re calm, peaceful, friendly - and still get the point across. (Of course, I’ve only been in one. But we also had our children along.)

By: barb

barb — Tue, 31 May 2005 20:37:58 +0000

I can’t imagine the Pentagon and the LAPD have ever had “leftist” rhetoric. Was that a typo?