There is a growing fear that started long before COVID. The pandemic was definitely a catalyst. And like you say, the media, certain politicians and others have been fuelling the fear. Economic uncertainty, climate change (eco-anxiety is a real thing), the rise of technology, war, and the emotional numbing of social media are taking their toll. Of course, this is no excuse for the kind of behaviour you’re talking about. I see it too. We need to do better. Your restraint is admirable. We need to respond to fear with compassion and kindness and accountability. There are inspirational projects happening around the world and we writers and journalists need to bring them into the light. Like you, we need to shine a light on the darkness. Thanks for your post.
Unresolved, misdirected and misplaced anger, and the failure to deal with the source means that innocent, good people like you become a convenient target. As a former psychotherapist, I saw many people playing the blame game instead of taking responsibility for their behaviors. There are few responses that can defuse rather than escalate those ugly encounters. One is, "Excuse me, I need to have someone else talk with you." And disappear and either find someone else or return and say, Sergeant Mills is not available right now but he will be here in 10 minutes." Bad behaviors are not totally acceptable. Look at what's happening on the airlines with unruly passengers. They get arrested.
There is a growing fear that started long before COVID. The pandemic was definitely a catalyst. And like you say, the media, certain politicians and others have been fuelling the fear. Economic uncertainty, climate change (eco-anxiety is a real thing), the rise of technology, war, and the emotional numbing of social media are taking their toll. Of course, this is no excuse for the kind of behaviour you’re talking about. I see it too. We need to do better. Your restraint is admirable. We need to respond to fear with compassion and kindness and accountability. There are inspirational projects happening around the world and we writers and journalists need to bring them into the light. Like you, we need to shine a light on the darkness. Thanks for your post.
Unresolved, misdirected and misplaced anger, and the failure to deal with the source means that innocent, good people like you become a convenient target. As a former psychotherapist, I saw many people playing the blame game instead of taking responsibility for their behaviors. There are few responses that can defuse rather than escalate those ugly encounters. One is, "Excuse me, I need to have someone else talk with you." And disappear and either find someone else or return and say, Sergeant Mills is not available right now but he will be here in 10 minutes." Bad behaviors are not totally acceptable. Look at what's happening on the airlines with unruly passengers. They get arrested.