01:03 - 02.03.08
Points of View
Sorry dear diary I got carried away on youtube. I love finding the dance scenes from the movies.
I don't have a lot to say. This article on humour started my search on the youtube site for something to illustrate the point, you see. I thought this blog approached that issue of perception creating one's reality quite succinctly.
That whole train of thought was triggered yesterday when I was on that mosh pit/bus ride, you see. A young girl sat alone dejectedly in one seat. She was quite overweight, but no more so than a number of other young people also on that ride. All the other seats filled quickly regardless of the size of the person with whom one had to share. She gave off an air of believing that no one would want to be near her - shoulders drooping and pain etched on her face. A number of the other children approached, with the intent of joining her, but retreated when confronted with that look of deep hurt. They seemed to want to respect her space, even though that was the last thing she probably needed. As the bus continued on that route she sank deeper into her seat and into that wilderness created in her own mind. A few of the girls near me expressed sympathy and tried to decide how best to approach her. They were afraid of the results if they misjudged so did nothing.
Sometimes the influence of media is so harsh and judgemental that we begin to believe things about ourselves and how others perceive us that are simply not true. This young child had already internalized the message so deeply that she was locked in a prison of her own making - although not by her own intent. She probably has never seen herself as anything but what she has seen or heard described in the media.
Then there are the times when someone else's gossip or rumour can destroy another person without them having any opportunity to protect or defend themselves. It was heartening to see justice done in this case of an industry blacklisting one of their own. McCarthyism still lives each time someone bears false witness. I guess that is why not speaking negatively of someone became one of the ten commandments. It can both isolate and damage their lives all out of proportion to another person's small-mindedness. Sometimes it is best not to say anything at all if one isn't certain of the entire truth and effect of that utterance - so says the Dalai Lama and Walt Disney through the movie Bambi. Speaking of which I can hear the neighbours outside arguing. Guess I should not say anything, but go lock the doors.
Good night dear diary. Sweet dreams.
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