Who Do You Love?

[SalixIncendium]

There are communities that speak of love for others within the community or their own circle, whether it is community, close friends, or family. Do you belong to such a unit?

Yet, as someone who spent three hours a day on the road, I see toxicity between drivers, where the barrier of glass and sheet metal gives people the latitude to curse at others, throw up obscene gestures, and even put another person's life in danger.

I see similar behavior in internet social media, where a barrier of a screen affects ignorance that there's a person somewhere on the other end...that there is a flesh and blood person who isn't all that dissimilar than you.

Do barriers such as sheet metal, glass, or a computer screen prevent people from remembering there is a real person with real human feelings and emotion on the other side?

Why do you think this happens? Does the absence of face-to-face contact make people somehow forget others have feelings? Or are we just so judgmental that the absence of fear of harm prevents people from being civil to one another.

Who do you love?
_____________________________________________________________________

 

[Little Dragon]

I know that love is emotional attachment, but that doesn't stop me falling victim to it. Whom do I love? A few people animals and a few non people animals. Not many in total. Why do I love them? Various reasons, but mostly because I find something about them to love. As for everyone else. I don't know. I have compassion and pity and empathy, forms of love I guess?

 

[JustGeorge]

There are communities that speak of love for others within the community or their own circle, whether it is community, close friends, or family. Do you belong to such a unit?

I don't know if I'd refer to it as a 'unit'. I do have a pocket full of people/animals I care for very much, and know very well.

Yet, as someone who spent three hours a day on the road, I see toxicity between drivers, where the barrier of glass and sheet metal gives people the latitude to curse at others, throw up obscene gestures, and even put another person's life in danger.

I see similar behavior in internet social media, where a barrier of a screen affects ignorance that there's a person somewhere on the other end...that there is a flesh and blood person who isn't all that dissimilar than you.

Do barriers such as sheet metal, glass, or a computer screen prevent people from remembering there is a real person with real human feelings and emotion on the other side?

I feel its lack of accountability. If I call the guy at the gas station a [fill in your favorite insult here], he might hit me. I don't want to be hit. If I call someone on the internet a [fill in your favorite insult here] there's not a lot that can be done.

Why do you think this happens? Does the absence of face-to-face contact make people somehow forget others have feelings? Or are we just so judgmental that the absence of fear of harm prevents people from being civil to one another.

I think, sadly, its just lack of consequence that keeps certain folks from acting out in public.

But. For every one 'troll', there are generally a lot more that aren't trolling. And for those who do 'troll', there's often something else going on. Mental health issues, being unaware that their behavior is unacceptable(because if you're not taught, you may not figure it out on your own, especially if those around you are engaging in similar behavior), lack of know how to get attention in positive means... I suspect very few people are genuinely ill intended, when its all said and done. (But I might be optimistic.)

Who do you love?
___

Outside of my 'circle', I feel a mild, general love for most(including, people, animals, spirits, and plants). Sometimes I 'feel'(I'm not able to accurately describe what this means) a being's energy, and that can increase or decrease my positive feelings for them based on that.

There are a few people I genuinely dislike, but not many.

__________________________________________________________________

I don't love The Doors, though.

 

[ChristineM]

Do you belong to such a unit?

Yes i guess so, family and close friends are people i love.

Do barriers such as sheet metal, glass, or a computer screen prevent people from remembering there is a real person with real human feelings and emotion on the other side?

In my case, no, while driving I'm very aware that every other vehicle is aimed by a human being and they just may be an idiot.
As for behind a computer screen, again no. Though with the rise of AI it's becoming difficult.

Why do you think this happens?

I don't really know, but guess it's the security, i can do ____ without consequences. Only there are consequences usually hidden behind sheet metal and glass and semiconductors.

Does the absence of face-to-face contact make people somehow forget others have feelings?

I believe so, certainly I've been on the recieving end of a **** storm and i know i can be sarcastic or cutting if needed.

Or are we just so judgmental that the absence of fear of harm prevents people from being civil to one another.

Yes, often

Who do you love?

Hubby, children, parents, our cats, some friends.

 

[SalixIncendium]

We've had two that mentioned the absence of consequence.

So what controls do you think are in place to prevent such behavior? What controls do you think are lacking? What controls do you suggest to prevent such toxic behaviors as mentioned in the OP?

Or do we even need such controls? Why or why not?

@JustGeorge @ChristineM

 

[Bthoth]

There are communities that speak of love for others within the community or their own circle, whether it is community, close friends, or family. Do you belong to such a unit?


Who do you love?
_____________________________________________________________________

I am American, the land, community, circle of that I love

I am human, and love mankind, the earth and universe.

AS conscious life, I am capable and LOVE knowing it

 

[SalixIncendium]

I am American, the land, community, circle of that I love

I am human, and love mankind, the earth and universe.

AS conscious life, I am capable and LOVE knowing it

So as an American, you have never displayed any of the behaviors noted in the OP or have fallen victim to such behaviors?

 

[Little Dragon]

So what controls do you think are in place to prevent such behavior? What controls do you think are lacking? What controls to you suggest to prevent such toxic behaviors as mentioned in the OP?

Parental love and guidance is probably the best preventative, as for after childhood, unfortunately, negative reinforcement is often necessary as a method of correction. Unless there is an underlying trauma or psychological issue that requires addressing, perhaps.

 

[JustGeorge]

We've had two that mentioned the absence of consequence.

So what controls do you think are in place to prevent such behavior? What controls do you think are lacking? What controls to you suggest to prevent such toxic behaviors as mentioned in the OP?

Some are natural. The chance someone will do you harm because you were acting in a manner deemed normally unacceptable. In some places and for some offenses, the legal system can be brought in.

Positive exposure is the best way, in my opinion. While there are a few that are too angry or too harmful to do that with, most are just normal folks with a toxic belief or two, or a negative way of communicating. Once we realize we have more in common than we realize, most of us are more mindful not to hurt our new friends' feelings.

Or do we even need such controls? Why or why not?

@JustGeorge @ChristineM

I think its good to attempt to control, but in the long run positive measures are more likely to take hold.

 

[Bthoth]

So as an American, you have never displayed any of the behaviors noted in the OP or have fallen victim to such behaviors?

I quoted the parts and addressed the question that I chose.

I have displayed horrible things to many! (addressing your addition) And even comprehend that many murders and atrocities are by immediate family members.

Are you fishing for a specific answer or path?

 

[Little Dragon]

I am American, the land, community, circle of that I love

I am human, and love mankind, the earth and universe.

AS conscious life, I am capable and LOVE knowing it

I am too bitter and vengeful to be all loving. Certain narcotics help there though.

 

[icehorse]

Well first off, George Thorogood

After that, family (including my various creature friends) and human friends most, people who have inspired me, then other creatures, then locals, then people farther away..

Ram Dass tried to teach me that if I don't love an individual (say trump), then he's still my guru on some level. I'm working on it.

 

[Bthoth]

I am too bitter and vengeful to be all loving. Certain narcotics help there though.

That is almost a cue to pour a cocktail. Cheers!

 

[Little Dragon]

That is almost a cue to pour a cocktail. Cheers!

Zombi or Pina Colada over here bruh. Anything with rum innit?

 

[SalixIncendium]

Are you fishing for a specific answer or path?

Nope. My questions were direct and to the point. Answer or don't. Enjoy the thread.

 

[ChristineM]

We've had two that mentioned the absence of consequence.

George and I sharing the same brain cell again

So what controls do you think are in place to prevent such behavior?

Self control (which is why it doesn't always work/

What controls do you think are lacking?

Better education

What controls to you suggest to prevent such toxic behaviors as mentioned in the OP?

Ah ha, a tricky one. Let me tell you a story.

An incidence i witnessed seemed to work.​

​

A car (loud, sporty, roof down, male driver) cut up another car (old Citroen, female driver) at a roundabout. The guy sped off but was stopped by traffic lights a little further on. The Citroen pulled up behind, the lady got out, walked up the the offending driver. No words spoken she simply slapped his face, hard, and walked back to her car.​

​

I laughed so hard and thinking about it, giving the cause of your anger/temper a good slap would probably work wonders​

Or do we even need such controls?

If self control was consistent, then no, it's not so we have moderators, police, and a scowling mom

Why or why not?

Control can save friction, pain or worse

 

[SalixIncendium]

Self control (which is why it doesn't always work/

If self control was consistent, then no, it's not so we have moderators, police, and a scowling mom

In the absence of self-control, how would you suggest a community handles such situations?

 

[Little Dragon]

Do barriers such as sheet metal, glass, or a computer screen prevent people from remembering there is a real person with real human feelings and emotion on the other side?

I have to admit, they do hamper my awareness, that there is a sentient being on the other end. I often wonder if I was a little out of order, belatedly. I get carried away sometimes. As they say. Self moderation is constant vigilance!

 

[ChristineM]

In the absence of self-control, how would you suggest a community handles such situations?

Depends on the situation, police, insurance companies for car squabbles.

Behind a screen there is little can be done without a great deal of cooperation between the different countries and companies though which the situation occurred

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Do you belong to such a unit?

Nope. No family and not really any friends (I mean ones I can depend on and will be there for me). I barely feel like I am part of society or really exist. I find that people are becoming more and more cruel and narcissistic every year, and smartphones certainly have part of the blame. I notice that people also have less respect for the lives of others now. The amount of crazed, dangerous driving I see is going through the roof. I am getting scared to even walk around now, and this craphole has always had awful drivers.