Vitriol, hate, and being shouted down for having a different view point on a variety of topics is part of what prompted me to turn off and tune out of most all sources of “news and discourse.” Appreciate the thoughtful article.
I enjoyed this commentary and it touches in an important issue.
As a Packer fan I was ecstatic to see Aaron Rodgers leave the team. Having been dragged through the roller coaster of drama which was the end of Brett Favre’s career, I always hoped that Rodgers would apply those lessons when the time came for him to move on. Instead, it was actually worse these last few years.
He lied about his immunization, potentially exposing his teammates to Covid. He failed to show up for training camp to work with a roster that included many new young receivers, and then blamed them for bad plays and lost games when his own performance was poor. He never stopped complaining about the management of the team and acted like a 3 year old when a new QB was brought in behind him as he started to approach 40.
So, when he gleefully became a Jet, many of us were happy to see this sad chapter in an otherwise fantastic career come to an end.
Did I hope the Jets would be a .500 team? Absolutely. Did I hope AR would embarrass himself and not live up to expectations? Absolutely. Did I hope the NYJ fans and press would make him wish he was back in GB? Heck yeah. Did I wish he would suffer a devastating, potentially career ending injury before all of this could even begin? Never, ever.
I think many people here feel the same way. Social media and our divisive nature not only bring out the worst in us but provides them a megaphone that can make us believe that we all must pick a side and turn on each other.
I’d like to think that many among us can still take the high road in how we take on the issues of the day. For those that so often choose otherwise, that karma can come back around to bite.
Yeh, I thought that was the sort of thing you meant. Maybe I'm too much of a hopeful optimist but perhaps there could be positive ways to end suffering? Like the leader in charge changing, recognising the error of their ways and reversing the suffering..? I know history shows this often isn't how it ends but it would be nicer if it did perhaps.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic.
Since I'm not on or follow much of social media these days, I didn't hear/see the comments from fans against Aaron Rogers, after his injury. I can't imagine what people are thinking when cheering someone else's physical or mental pain.I was shocked to hear this. People need to hit the "pause button", and think about what they are about to send out into the world. Once you share something mean or inconsiderate online, you can't take it back.
We need to apply the old adage: If you can't say something nice to someone, don't say anything at all.
Given the NFL’s position on social justice matters, it is possible that Rodgers initially dithered on “shot status” due to perceived pressure from “League Officials” who broach no dissent from the current Orthodoxy. None.
Rodgers’ behavior was in stark contrast to the President’s unequivocal condemnation of an entire Class of people (“Thee ‘Unvaccinated’.”) repeatedly on national media—with full support of Media, Tech, and multiple Government Agencies.
Gee . . . I wonder why anyone might want to keep their cards close to the vest?
Another commenter chided Rodgers for putting teammates at risk by his “lying.” Poppycock. The NFL player cadre are amongst the lowest risk category for anyone exposed to C19 (unless they were “vaccinated” at which time their risk for cardiovascular compromise greatly increased).
Compassion, respect, cooperation, acceptance. These are all great attributes for every human being to possess. Unfortunately, since the advent of unfettered social “communication,” social/moral boundaries have eroded steadily. The Rodgers haters exemplify the worst outcome in a culture shedding all restraint.
Everyone is accountable in the effort to reverse the tide of hatred and incivility. Unfortunately, our “Leaders” are modeling anarchy and lawlessness — on top of NewThink and RightSpeech.
Aaron Rodgers’s “shot status” and forthrightness are the very least of our worries.
I struggle a bit with the last bit though, about, 'I see no reason to root for anyone’s suffering, unless they have committed some kind of horrific crime against humanity.'
No matter what anyone has said and done should we ever wish them ill? Sure, stand up and express disagreement but should we ever root for suffering against someone else? Another human being?
Are there any situations where there is no room for forgiveness?
Vitriol, hate, and being shouted down for having a different view point on a variety of topics is part of what prompted me to turn off and tune out of most all sources of “news and discourse.” Appreciate the thoughtful article.
I enjoyed this commentary and it touches in an important issue.
As a Packer fan I was ecstatic to see Aaron Rodgers leave the team. Having been dragged through the roller coaster of drama which was the end of Brett Favre’s career, I always hoped that Rodgers would apply those lessons when the time came for him to move on. Instead, it was actually worse these last few years.
He lied about his immunization, potentially exposing his teammates to Covid. He failed to show up for training camp to work with a roster that included many new young receivers, and then blamed them for bad plays and lost games when his own performance was poor. He never stopped complaining about the management of the team and acted like a 3 year old when a new QB was brought in behind him as he started to approach 40.
So, when he gleefully became a Jet, many of us were happy to see this sad chapter in an otherwise fantastic career come to an end.
Did I hope the Jets would be a .500 team? Absolutely. Did I hope AR would embarrass himself and not live up to expectations? Absolutely. Did I hope the NYJ fans and press would make him wish he was back in GB? Heck yeah. Did I wish he would suffer a devastating, potentially career ending injury before all of this could even begin? Never, ever.
I think many people here feel the same way. Social media and our divisive nature not only bring out the worst in us but provides them a megaphone that can make us believe that we all must pick a side and turn on each other.
I’d like to think that many among us can still take the high road in how we take on the issues of the day. For those that so often choose otherwise, that karma can come back around to bite.
Very well said Dave!
Yeh, I thought that was the sort of thing you meant. Maybe I'm too much of a hopeful optimist but perhaps there could be positive ways to end suffering? Like the leader in charge changing, recognising the error of their ways and reversing the suffering..? I know history shows this often isn't how it ends but it would be nicer if it did perhaps.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic.
Since I'm not on or follow much of social media these days, I didn't hear/see the comments from fans against Aaron Rogers, after his injury. I can't imagine what people are thinking when cheering someone else's physical or mental pain.I was shocked to hear this. People need to hit the "pause button", and think about what they are about to send out into the world. Once you share something mean or inconsiderate online, you can't take it back.
We need to apply the old adage: If you can't say something nice to someone, don't say anything at all.
Thank you, Bob. Good article!
Given the NFL’s position on social justice matters, it is possible that Rodgers initially dithered on “shot status” due to perceived pressure from “League Officials” who broach no dissent from the current Orthodoxy. None.
Rodgers’ behavior was in stark contrast to the President’s unequivocal condemnation of an entire Class of people (“Thee ‘Unvaccinated’.”) repeatedly on national media—with full support of Media, Tech, and multiple Government Agencies.
Gee . . . I wonder why anyone might want to keep their cards close to the vest?
Another commenter chided Rodgers for putting teammates at risk by his “lying.” Poppycock. The NFL player cadre are amongst the lowest risk category for anyone exposed to C19 (unless they were “vaccinated” at which time their risk for cardiovascular compromise greatly increased).
Compassion, respect, cooperation, acceptance. These are all great attributes for every human being to possess. Unfortunately, since the advent of unfettered social “communication,” social/moral boundaries have eroded steadily. The Rodgers haters exemplify the worst outcome in a culture shedding all restraint.
Everyone is accountable in the effort to reverse the tide of hatred and incivility. Unfortunately, our “Leaders” are modeling anarchy and lawlessness — on top of NewThink and RightSpeech.
Aaron Rodgers’s “shot status” and forthrightness are the very least of our worries.
Good article.
I struggle a bit with the last bit though, about, 'I see no reason to root for anyone’s suffering, unless they have committed some kind of horrific crime against humanity.'
No matter what anyone has said and done should we ever wish them ill? Sure, stand up and express disagreement but should we ever root for suffering against someone else? Another human being?
Are there any situations where there is no room for forgiveness?
I don't disagree Nathan. I guess I was thinking more on a case of Hitler or something like that where it would bring an end to suffering.