I was just responding to another thread about people talking all the way through a movie, and I said that thoughtlessness is epidemic in North America today. That got me thinking, “Is it really an epidemic, or am I just too thin-skinned and quick to judge other people’s actions?”
So, my question to the viewing public is this; have you run into an example of someone else’s thoughtlessness today?
The next part of my question is, if there is an epidemic of thoughtlessness going on, is there anything that can be done about it? I know we come to the BBQ Pit and rant about stuff all the time, but is there anything in real life that we can actually do to reduce thoughtlessness or its impact on each of us?
Well, not really today. My teacher surprised me, though. Quick background, I’m hearing impaired, and I sit in the front row and make sure my teachers know. Anyway, today, the class wasn’t listening to him.
He asked, “What are you all, hearing impaired?”
I’m used to hearing that so I didn’t react or equate it with me, until he gave this really guilty look and said “Sorry, Megan.”
Hm. I thought that was nice, even if I wasn’t really offended at that.
I haven’t really had any contact with the outside world today, so I haven’t encountered any thoughtlessness today.
However, to answer to the second part of the post, I think thoughtless behaviour is out of control, from blabbering through movies (I’m paying big bucks to see them these days!) to double parking in the handicapped spots “because I’ll only be a second.” My recommendation for a real-life response is to take half a second and think about your actions before you do them – don’t just let your id make all your life’s decisions. At least then you can go to sleep with the knowledge that you did not contribute to the thoughtlessness out there.
“So, when are you due?”
“February.”
“Oh my gosh, so are you having twins, then??!”
“No. Just one.”
“Oh…um…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like THAT.”
Argh.
Yes.
Some idiot was honking his car horn outside my window for some 30 seconds. He clearly did not notice there are other human beings in the vicinity.
I was sitting in a diner last night when a guy walked behind me & got his jacket snagged on one of my wheelchair handlebars. He just looked down, pulled it off, & kept going. No “Whoops!”, no, “Sorry about that!”, no nothing. It was as though I was merely a piece of furniture.
I was pissed.