Submitted by David Anderson.
In the number of times we’ve played this game, it’s usually not long – especially among fifth graders – before one of them says, ‘There’s no way for us to win.’ Followed by ‘that’s not fair.’
Extrapolate this little exercise to the proportions that are sometimes seen, sadly more often any more than not, in the headlines or as we head out-and-about and it’s easy – or at least easier – to see why we display such hostility toward perceived dishonesty or unfairness or heavy-handedness on the one hand or, just as bad – the flip side of the coin – ambivalence, avoidance, and apathy especially when something very important may have been at stake.
In either case, the one flipping the coin wins.
If you can call it that.
But at what cost?
There’s an ancient proverb that seems to suggest that head-in-the-sand, hear-see-and-speak no evil, go-along-to-get-along is preferable to disputes, arguments, debates, diatribes, quarrelings and the like.
After all, or so the argument goes – speaking of arguments – such hostilities are said to only further divide the combatants and are likened to the barred gates of a citadel, closed and locked doors, the draw bridge hoisted and hungry alligators awaiting in the moat.
But, maybe, what is here more intended, is that we do well to avoid unnecessary grievances; be especially careful if prone to abrasiveness; and, whether parent or politician, have plastered a sticky-note reminder on our to-do list that lording-it-over others – our children or our citizens – loses them to our cause, divides rather than unites.
Producing either hostility or apathy can hardly be called a victory.
And winning them back is about as easy a task as breaking through a fortified castle wall.
Susan Rothwell says
This is full of good wisdom….producing either hostility or apathy can hardly be called a victory. But we see just that every day in our own worlds and the world at large. Is this why our society is so full of anger and wringing of hands?
P Rose says
This might be a partial explanation why the British lost their Empire, and why America’s foreign policy does not seem to know how to make friends.
LRBullock says
“Producing either hostility or apathy can hardly be called a victory.” True that! And so it goes with Lakewood’s, “RIP” or rather, the, “RHSIP” or whatever the f**k the NEW and IMPROVED acronym is…or WAS. Did Lakewood pass the measure that would allow the City to physically enter a homeowners rental property and INSPECT?! I thought that program was voted OUT?!