Happy Wednesday, my peeps! Today’s Our Land series has been authored by my lovely friend Lizzi (aka The Considerer at Considerings). In spite of her British aversion to using the letter “z” in words such as “realize” and “organization,” there’s no denying her talent for brilliantly weaving words together. Lizzi has an amazing outlook on life, the biggest heart in the interwebs, and has been granted life-time membership to Our Land for her continued support and enthusiasm in bringing empathy and wonder to life. I’m honored to feature her words on these pages. So, without further ado:
Our Land – Ain’t that a Shame
Have you ever felt that awful gut-wrenching feeling of disappointment when a person or organisation you really respect and admire appears to let you down by doing something out of character (I’m assuming here that you’re a good judge of character, and the people you respect and admire tend to be Good Folks)? Or, worse, they do something disappointing, and you realise that this is part of their character – like walking into the most sumptuous hotel and discovering that it’s running a seedy little knocking shop in the outbuildings round the back…
I’ve sometimes seen people and companies put things out there in social media as ‘targets.’ It appears as though the sole reason is to increase their popularity by creating something for others to latch onto and join in the derision of.
Which is fine when it’s a ‘something’…but get this: too often for my liking, the ‘targets’ are people.
Real people. Usually ones who have been caught in a snapshot demonstrating something beyond our bell-curve of expectations. And each time I see another anonymous stranger splattered around the internet with an invitation for others to jeer at them, I feel a sense of loss – of jadedness creeping in, and the cracks starting to show. Each time, my heart twists and aches, because what I see is the desire to nurture group bonding between like-minded people by creating a common outcast.
Have you ever read Lord of the Flies? A bunch of boys were stranded on a desert island, and created a tribe in order to survive. There was a kid there – Piggy – who was the outcast of the group; he was the one everyone ganged up on and ostracised in order that they would have an element of commonality. And he ended up dead on the rocks, with his brains flowing into the sea.
William Golding painted a compelling word picture of the worst which can happen in those cases – that with sufficient effort at ostracising someone and making them ‘Other’, they can almost cease to be human to us, whether or not we shave their head and brand them with a number.
When I see this kind of thing shared or posted as a fanfare for people to jump in, although no brains are spattered, my heart takes a battering.
We live in a culture obsessed with ‘Other’ focus. We are no longer encouraged to stop and look at ourselves in any way beyond the superficial (certainly not by the media) and it’s damaging us. It’s turning us into cruel little boys on an island, all ganging up through fear of being the only one left out. And it’s disgusting, because it strongly hints at a far larger underlying problem.
We’re not only beginning to lose the ability to recognise the innate value and dignity in another human, we’re beginning to forget that we also have this within us, and that buying into the gossip, humiliation and shaming culture, damages this. For how can we maintain any semblance of dignity when we’re involved in actively tearing down another human being?
I don’t know if I’m just particularly soft in the head (or perhaps the heart – that might be more likely) but when I see yet another ‘human disaster’ or ‘Walmartians’ photo displayed on Facebook, all I can see is a human. A person who perhaps made some poor wardrobe or lifestyle choices, but a person who probably has friends and relatives who love them, and a childhood full of stories to tell, as well as an important role in the lives of those they know.
A person whose mistake is now being used as a weapon against them in a painful, personal attack – that of strangers, arbitrarily lined up to shoot vileness in their direction for whatever indiscretion they have been charged guilty of.
Likewise celebrities, who are generally idolised in the West, but with a peculiar kind of veneration, which is ready at a moment’s notice, to turn on the object of adoration and stick its claws in.
The tragedy is not the stars who “Never read the papers or go on Google” for fear of running into bad press about themselves; it’s the people creating the press, those who buy into the destructive messages, and those who assist the developing within society of an attitude of vicious joy in the downfall (real or perceived) of others.
It’s been a long, slow process for me to learn that each person has intrinsic value, just for the simple fact that they are human – a fact which (to paraphrase C.S. Lewis) is enough to raise the head of the lowliest beggar and bow the head of the proudest king.
I haven’t always been good at it, and in all honesty. I still mess up. Frequently. But seeing these human targets displayed, upsets me. Especially if I happen to notice that a person or organisation I respect, has done it. What’s worse is that I usually say nothing. And that sucks, and makes me feel dirty inside, and ashamed that I’ve not got the strength of character to have the conversation in person.
Why though?
For fear of being told I’m taking it too seriously? For fear that the sharer will be upset and confused by the vehemence of my feelings (which they clearly don’t share, or are able to place to one side, if they do)?
For fear of being told that I’m being just as judgmental in even holding onto this opinion that ‘We All Should Count, To All Of Us?’ For fear of being called a finger-pointer? Or a hypocrite (given my self-professed love of prank videos, and shows where people are encouraged to send in films of themselves and others falling over, in return for cash…or even for writing this entire post!)?
For fear that they’re right?
Or, chillingly, for fear that I’m going to be told that it’s just not possible to care, properly, truly, about the personhood of each individual, because your heart would break so many times a day that in the end, you have to depersonalise some of them in order to survive?
I want to offer an injection of Our Land into the world – particularly into the hearts and minds of those who engage in such person-shaming activities – but also for all of us, for I think that the tenets of Our Land are things we forget all too easily, particularly in this situation. I promise I’ll try to hold them a little dearer myself.
Remember Empathy – each person has their own story. Almost certainly it’s different to yours and mine, but there will be human elements of sorrow, love, happiness, anxiety, joy and fear – enough to make a connection over, for sure. This person – this wonderful individual – with heart and soul and feelings, could be hurt. They don’t deserve that.
Remember Compassion – that person is valuable. Not because I say so, or anyone else says so, but because they just ARE. Their very humanity and personhood gives them dignity (whether or not their apparel or attitude reflects it well) and that person does not deserve derision or scorn, even if consensus and the bell-curve suggest that they do. It does our souls much better to not be caught up in this kind of attitude and activity. Better that we might seek to affirm in some way (perhaps especially when that is a challenging ask) or just stay the hell out of it.
Remember Wonder – if you were suddenly parachuted into a room across from that person, and you could look past their physicality, attitude, apparel, status or whichever area of the bell-curve they’ve not matched up to, into their eyes and realise that their eyes have seen things you never will – that this person has experienced things (both good and bad) which are beyond the scope of your understanding. That this person, like you, is fearfully and wonderfully put together and holds a spot in the very pinnacle of the pyramid of life…
…and if you stopped to really, deeply acknowledge that, I am quite sure that you would be amazed.
With love to you, from the bottom of my jaded, hurting, hopeful, Our-Land-Loving heart.
xXx
I’m Lizzi (a.k.a. Considerer), a non-professional blogger from the UK. I have been married since 2010, blogging since August 2012 and discovered we were going to have fertility problems in September 2012. I love the platform the blogosphere provides to offer solidarity, comfort, humour and hope in the real stories of real people. I am pleased and honoured to be part of it, and that even such devastating experiences as miscarriage and infertility can be used to touch people’s lives and bring a little positive.
Interested in submitting your words to Our Land? Email me your submission!
by Kristi Campbell
donofalltrades - If you’re suggesting that I feel bad for laughing at the shoppers of Walmart people, then you’ve obviously never been to a Walmart in the Midwestern part of the US of A.
While I see your point to some extent, ribbing a woman when she wears shit stained sweatpants or a hairy dude who exposes part of his thong in public is part of what makes life so wonderful.December 18, 2013 – 11:22 am
Kristi Campbell - Don
I don’t know if they even have Walmart in England… A hairy dude exposing part of his thong? Why did you have to go there? I need to erase that image!!December 18, 2013 – 11:31 am
donofalltrades - I would also like to point out that your end of post our land utopia is devoid of any black or white people. Is that intentional? Is there some sort of message in that?December 18, 2013 – 12:02 pm
Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - Lizzie, I get your point and agree with your idea. However it is hard in practice. I also think that at some point we have all let ourselves go, we no longer care what we look like. That is the only explanation for the dreaded “Wal-Mart” photos. I think we are allowed to think (maybe only in our head) what the hell were they thinking?
In the case of celebrities I think they do it on purpose, so I feel no remorse when I use Miley as a punch line.
Would I want some one to do that to me or my child or friend? No, but I also don’t let my girls go out in public with their thong showing.December 18, 2013 – 12:12 pm
clark - Very well said, Lizzi
there are two kinds of people who feed on the suffering of others, scotts and rogers.
a scott does it for the attention (good attention, bad attention, to a scott makes no difference), simply because it is the attention of others on the scott that is the energy, the life force.
(there is a saying around the Doctrine ‘a scott alone in a room, isn’t’)
But a scott almost always acts alone. they will point at something/someone and bray, ‘haw haw, look that person: (fill in the blank…looks funny, talks funny whatever).
scotts are cruel
the other type to feed on the suffering of others are rogers and they are interesting in the complexity and subtly of their enjoyment of the suffering of others.
rogers *never* act alone.
a roger always works in a context (the herd) and they are not ever a ‘direct accuser’.
it is ‘hey, I love you but everyone else thinks you’re stupid’ not ‘I think you’re stupid’.
And it is because they are acting in a group context, the enjoyment the roger gets when pointing to someone else who is the other, or is less than or…as most of the ‘Competition Reality Shows’ the LOSER the benefit for them is to feel, ‘hey look at that loser!! I’m not her! don’t you like me even better now?’
where scotts are cruel, rogers are mean.
imo… it is a condition inherent in humanity, nothing new and not going away anytime soon.December 18, 2013 – 12:27 pm
Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - This is very thought-provoking, and i admit to being a bit ambivalent. On the one hand, I am a bleeding heart and can’t stand to see anyone with hurt feelings. I even abhor teasing. But yet I have no problem connecting with others to giggle at one of those “trainwrecks,” and Don’s comment above even made me laugh. I think it is a very fine line, and I don’t know where that line is. It is hard for any of us, even those of us who are empathetic and sensitive, to be above reproach or point fingers at others for being critical. Sometimes, that criticism may be warranted because of overtly stupid decisions… But I do appreciate where you are coming from.December 18, 2013 – 12:39 pm
Anita Davis Sullivan - I used to laugh at those types of things more, but now I get a bit ill each time I see it posted by a friend- I can’t say I’m anywhere near perfect, but I have too much pain and loss to spend my time laughing at people without knowing their story and what caused them to get up that morning and leave the house inappropriately. Or even what didn’t happen that day, but has been happening their whole life that led them to not see their value enough to think they’re worth taking care of.
I could go on.
Thank you for your thoughts and honesty.December 18, 2013 – 1:37 pm
Kenya G. Johnson - I receive your injection – great perspective. I wouldn’t ever hurt someone intentionally but I’ve definitely been catty behind the scenes. I think it’s natural and it happens all the time but social media has made it all “in yo face” and personal. I hate when I see someone has taken a picture of someone they don’t know to share and talk about them. I won’t “like” it or share it – because that person is “somebody”.December 18, 2013 – 2:01 pm
Rachel - I agree with you Lizzie. While I completely get the desire to want to laugh at others and am no stranger to this behavior myself, I also believe that we are “civilized” human beings — we have the ability to CHOOSE whether to act on our impulses or not. Too often people don’t. The anonymous factor of the web and social media has brought out the worst in people in this regard. I think it is a beautiful sentiment to remind us all of our common dignity.December 18, 2013 – 2:39 pm
Considerer - This is just it – I’m guilty as anything of having done this – of having behaved in these ways. I probably will again. But it’s not something I like about my character, not something I’m comfortable with, and not something I enjoy seeing in others.
People make mistakes, and yes it can appear funny when they’ve managed to get themselves to a place where they don’t take care of themselves or dress ‘appropriately’ for their size or shape. Or don’t conform to the conventions we’ve come to expect.
But they’re still people. None of us is perfect.
And just because we don’t allow ourselves (or our loved ones) to go out looking ridiculous, doesn’t give us the right to point and laugh at those who do.December 18, 2013 – 2:59 pm
Considerer - Kristi, your intro is the sweetest thing ever, thank you so much for your words.
Don – no it wasn’t intentional not to put any black or white (or brown) people. I guess I crapped out on a proper depiction of cultural diversity. There also aren’t any people in wheelchairs. Or elderly people. Well crap…
Kerri – I see your point, and there’s a difference between looking at someone and mentally wondering what part of them stood in front of the mirror that morning and thought “Dang! I look good!” and taking a photo of them and splattering it across the internet for everyone else to jeer at. I’m glad you have standards for how you allow your children to go out. Unfortunately some people grow up without that same sense of propriety. The role models aren’t there.
Clark – THANK YOU. That makes sense.
Stephanie – I definitely don’t put myself above reproach. No way. But there’s a difference between compassionate criticism and mocking. That’s the line. If you say something which makes you look big or clever at someone else’s expense, and your friend laughs…that’s the line. I do it a lot. I don’t pretend otherwise. But it’s a part of my character I want to change, and am really not happy with.
Anita – I think you’re right about there being Bigger Things in life which really should take precedent. And yes, I agree, without a back-story, there should be no judgement.
Kenya – it does my heart good to know that other people recognises the ‘Somebody’ness in strangers. I’ve been catty, I just hope to change.
Rachel – PERFECT. Thank you. So, so much.December 18, 2013 – 3:26 pm
Yvonne - Lizzi, I actually think that judging others hurts ourselves. In fact, I’ve noticed it physically hurts me to do it. But it’s not something we can force ourselves to stop since the moment we do that we’re judging ourselves and that’s just the same thing. Or, one I notice myself doing is judging people for judging people.
I so agree with you that empathy and compassion are exactly what we need. And that does begin with ourselves when we mess up. We judge because we don’t feel good enough and so want to feel better than someone else. Years ago I worked for while at a school for kids who had been excluded from mainstream schools. These kids backgrounds would truly make you cry. One day we went to an exhibition where there were kids from other “special” schools. As we got back into the mini-bus a bus carrying kids with special needs went past. Our kids started yelling, calling them names. It was horrible, and it was also obvious that they did it because they thought they’d finally found some kids they could feel superior too.
Truly the way the human race treats each other is tragic at times. And yet, it can also be so wonderful as your post and Kristi’s blog both show.December 18, 2013 – 3:39 pm
Considerer - Yvonne, I think you’re right. I know that’s the place from which I’ve ever done it – to feel ‘better than’ or ‘superior to’ – you’re right on the money. And yet, somehow, it doesn’t help in the end. It just drives a wedge between my ‘self’ and the rest of humanity – all of whom are bestowed with the innate dignity of simply being human.December 18, 2013 – 4:41 pm
Tamara (at PenPaperPad) - I’ve read SO many articles about people who were these the subject of memes that went viral and they were none to wiser until a friend sent them the dreaded text. To be honest, I just hadn’t thought about it before. I guess I’d assumed they were in on the joke- like the Overly Attached Girlfriend meme. But that seems to be the exception not the rule. It makes me think twice, and just try to ignore it. I ain’t perfect though, I do still resort to fall back cattiness at times. I’m trying.December 18, 2013 – 7:33 pm
Considerer - That sounds like such an awful thing to have happen to you! Good grief, can you imagine the mortification? Especially if you were having a bad day for a legit reason. Can’t begin to imagine it.
Thanks for sharing that, Tamara – I had no idea that most of the memes are candid, not in on the joke ones.
We’re all trying, right? To be better humans 🙂December 18, 2013 – 7:42 pm
Kathy Radigan - I think it’s interesting that some of the comments have taken exception to the idea of not giggling at the expense of another. That we find it so easy to decide what is right and wrong in the way of fashion, dress or behavior but have no issue defending our own bad behavior of calling attention to it. You have given me a lot to think about.December 18, 2013 – 8:54 pm
Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - They were just talking about this very thing on Morning Joe on MSNBC this morning, about how reality shows and red carpet commentary, etc., encourages all of us to be judgy and to mock people we don’t even know. Well stated, Lizzi.December 18, 2013 – 9:04 pm
Tamara - It’s you, Lizzi!! (Kristi knows all of the greats).
I always wonder about the “models” in the photos that go viral. It happens so fast. With the exception of Grumpy Cat, who made her owners very rich, I try not to share a photo I see with what looks like an unwilling participant in the photo.
I am not perfect and I have laughed at things on the internet. Many times over. And I never know when to draw the line, because I have seen the people of Walmart photos and they are choosing to go out in public like that.
That doesn’t mean I share the photos.December 18, 2013 – 9:19 pm
Sharon @ Finding Vanilla Octopus - Lizzi, you are definitely not alone in your sentiments, and in the inner conflict that reflecting on them brings about. I can personally attest to being far from perfect, and though I like to hold myself to a standard above cattiness, I too often fall short. It’s a side of myself that I’m continually working to better. But being particularly sensitive to the witness of even fictional humiliation, I often feel some very real pain when coming across some of the photos of which you speak. Though on some level I understand where the fascination with them comes from, I struggle with the responses that I see to them all too often. Is the first reaction for so many really to unrestrainedly poke fun at an unfortunately-stained pair of shorts? Truly, I’d want to take the poor wearer aside and offer to help her find a solution that would keep her pride intact. I suppose the perceived anonymity of a random internet photo can easily preclude such feelings of empathy, but it never totally does so for me.December 18, 2013 – 10:15 pm
Brittnei - I was cracking up in the beginning because of what Kristi said about you, Lizzi concerning your use of the s when we Americans use the z. I can’t believe after being at your blog it has never stood out to me thus far. 🙂
This was such an awesome post. I often feel like I am accused of being “super spiritual,” “judgmental,” or just like you said, taking things too seriously when I acknowledge or voice some of the things that you are saying. In the past, I have come off to be condescending to people which is something that I have had to work on heavily. At the same time, I feel like what you are saying about people needing to really stand up for what is right or wrong..even when something is portrayed in the media as funny or ok when we all know that it is not, is extremely important. I’ve resulted to not really saying too much to people who don’t agree. I’d rather not be around people who will ostracize people or jeer at people for things like the clothes they wear or the horrible lifestyles they have lived because of some bad choices they have made. My heart always goes out to celebrities, especially. People think they have the life. I see different in the blurbs of information that I get about them here and there. It’s funny because I often don’t watch or entertain so much of this stuff so that I can try to be more compassionate and loving towards others and not giving into or entertaining gossip and negative outlooks on others.December 19, 2013 – 1:18 am
Ilene@TheFierceDivaGuideToLife - Lizzie, I want to hug you right now. I know this is counter intuitive for a blogger – someone who spends a lot of time on the internet – to say, but I blame a lot of this dehumanization not on the internet per se but how we interact with the internet. We forget that there are “real people” behind the screens that we are talking into and making fun of others into and ostracizing. It’s way to easy to hide behind a laptop and say mean things and pretend to be something we aren’t. I see the otherness too. I think we easily forget that we are all bonded and the same and connected in some universal way. When we recall that connection, the empathy comes much more easily.December 19, 2013 – 8:22 am
Considerer - Kathy – I did think when I wrote this, that it would be a bit close to the bone for some people. There are some people I also want this to be close to the bone for – I want them to think about it. I hope they read it. I also think it’s close to the bone for me (before I come across as too hyper-judgemental – I do realise I haven’t much of a leg to stand on)
Sarah – it’s horrific. And another reason I’m so glad I haven’t got a tv, and I don’t buy celebrity magazines. I used to be hugely into celeb culture as a teen, and it was addictive. I’m glad I unhooked, because the attitudes there are so destructive, in large part.
Tamara – hey thanks!! I don’t consider myself any kind of ‘Great’, but Kristi is, and Our Land is 🙂 It’s good to hear your input on this. I struggle too, with the idea that the person did decide to go out however they’re presented. But I still worry that unless they’re intentionally dressing for laughs, their feelings would be hurt by the mocking. And that sometimes there aren’t other options for them to present as, due to a variety of factors…
Sharon – I think you’ve hit the nail on the head – it’s that anonymity, that protection of being on the other side of the screen, which somehow implies permission to be mean. One of the most beautiful, resounding things I’ve ever seen said about the condition of people and the internet is this – “If you’re not kind online, you’re not kind.” I get a visceral reaction of twisting and heartache when I see the awful crowds of people coming to publicly shame whichever unfortunate got snapped. I hate it.
Brittnei – GOOD FOR YOU! There is nothing you wrote there, which I didn’t nod my head in support of. I’m so glad that you’re taking a stand, and so sorry that you’re receiving any kind of backlash or judgement just for having the compassion and care for people you don’t know, to treat them (and expect others to treat them) with respect.
Ilene – I’ve been guilty of that myself, horrendously so. Like shaving the heads, when all we see of someone is words and the screen, it’s easy to forget that they’re real, and that the things we do can really hurt them. I’m so glad that you understand about the otherness and the sameness, and the all-togetherness of this world we live in, and the people we live amongst. Thank you 🙂December 19, 2013 – 12:56 pm
Janine Huldie - Sorry that I am late to the game. Have totally been under the weather and battling the stomach bug. But just wanted to say this was absolutely beautiful and coming from Lizzi, I expect nothing less!! 🙂December 19, 2013 – 6:28 pm
Chris Carter - This reminds me of a post I wrote a while ago about how we behave on line- discerning BEFORE we post anything… does it reflect our true hearts? Does it hurt someone? Is it rude and disrespectful?
I often wonder if what I read/who I read at times, is that caddy and judgmental in real life. I honestly, stay away from those people. I am immediately turned “off” as soon as I read or hear (IRL) someone say a nasty thing or laugh at someone.
YES- I am guilty of making fun of people!! So I am not innocent here. But I try hard to really think before I do….anything. And I always will strive to be someone who radiates compassion and love- never digs and judgement and slurs and nastiness.
Most people I know just do that for attention. I’d rather get the attention in a more positive way. They may not know any better…but they should.
LOVE this Lizzi!!! Love you. Your honest, raw, beautiful and broken masterpiece that you are.December 19, 2013 – 7:22 pm
Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - Lizzi, you are so very wise. And as hard as I try–I find that I’m a contradictory individual and my internal voices fight with “me” all the time. I guess that is being human–the imperfections of living in this wild and crazy society. As far as the Walmartians, I’ve never personally seen anyone that looks like any of the people in the videos which leads me to believe that the photos have been doctored. And I no longer watch them because I’m now so skeptical. In fact, many of the videos/statements on Facebook I take with a grain of salt because I’m not sure they were meant in the way they are being promoted.
That is also why I love the Our Land series and Kristi and all our blogging community. I feel supported and loved and I hope that others feel that in return. Happy holidays to you all.December 20, 2013 – 1:25 am
Considerer - Janine – so sorry you’re sick 🙁 Hope you heal really quickly. And thank you 🙂
Chris – You’re so wonderful and so full of Goodness. Keep being a good example…you got it in the bag. And I need to watch you and learn. Cos I really hope you’d like me IRL, but I do wonder. I’m highly edited here, and sometimes less than pleasant in person. I know I have a tendency to tear people down (usually not strangers, which is worse – people I know) to make myself look big and clever. I try to be mindful but…you know I’m a letdown *shrugs*
Linda – I *sound* wise. There’s a difference. I’m not always able to put this into practice. By any means. But I love how much you love Our Land, and I share your happiness at the levels of support and care which are exchanged here.December 20, 2013 – 2:09 am
Sandy Ramsey - Being behind on my reading thanks to the game of Christmas catch up that I am currently playing, I just got to this outstanding post. As you know, because I got your comment, I wrote a little something along the same lines, yet not quite as eloquent. You are a wise and thoughtful one, Lizzi. Considering human nature, we are all guilty to some degree of being judgmental and sometimes even hurtful. I agree 112% that empathy, compassion and wonder all need a reboot. Have we really become that hardened? That is a sad thought. Thank you, as always, for bringing things to light for all of us! XOXODecember 20, 2013 – 6:06 am
Considerer - Sandy, your post was very specific to one area, but SO important, and I’m really glad you wrote it. I loved it and am really pleased that you’re hooking into the POSITIVES for your daughter – to teach her how things *should* be. Huge respect for that *hugs*December 20, 2013 – 5:47 pm
Lisa Forever Five Blog - These words are beautifully put, Lizzi. I couldn’t help but think of some of the Mommy Bloggers who were recently criticized for behaviors and/or words that they publicized and so many of us bought into the negative attention that they were given. The truth is, we can all be inappropriate, righteous, narrow-minded and ignorant. Why give attention to the actions that fall in to these categories? There is a whole person behind that short-sighted action or phrase they made public. At some point, that same person will likely say or do something that we can connect with. Why not act on that moment instead of the ones that we can criticize? Excellent post:).December 30, 2013 – 2:37 pm