Control issues.
There's nothing I dislike more than people telling others how they should live and finding things to criticize others for to elevate themselves. It's an attitude that I see everywhere from all sorts of people. From what people wear, to who they sleep with, to what they do for a living. Literally anything and everything. Why on earth can't people let others live?
One of the big problems this causes IMO is the nasty attitude toward the working class. "Wages are unlivable? Get a better job!" Ok but who's going to do those jobs you don't consider worth a living wage? Almost half the population of this country is on some form of government assistance despite working 40+ hours a week. Taxpayers are picking up the tab for corporations to make bigger profits, then base themselves overseas to avoid paying taxes into the system thats subsidizing their business, further screwing the workers and everyone else. Sure, though, the pizza delivery guy who wants to be able to have an apartment, eat, have internet and healthcare is totally the problem here. Right.
Then you have moral judgements. Any conversation about abortion rights will always include some jackass who wants to tell the story he heard thirdhand about some "slutty" woman who uses abortion as birth control. This mythical woman who really gets around, from what I can tell, is often an addict or drunk, sometimes a hooker and sleeps with anything that moves. Despite this woman being exactly the kind of person who shouldn't raise children, her multiple abortions are somehow an argument against freely available abortion?
The other side of the coin are those who love to complain about "breeders". How many children folks have or whether they should have kids at all vary on this one. The effect is that we entirely ignore the welfare of certain kids because of course their parents shouldn't have had them in the first place. Guess what. If those kids aren't educated and supported by their communities, they'll likely grow up to be the thieves, killers and rapists society would prefer not to have. " the child not accepted by the village will burn it down to feel it's warmth" is profoundly true. The rich man who doesn't want to pay taxes to support others children, will find himself robbed by them later when they've got no other options in life than to turn to crime. Karma in action, folks.
I could probably go on and on but my point is that these value judgements we make on others to make ourselves feel ok about their misery are a dodge to avoid doing anything about problems that are the purview of society. They do nothing to solve the problems and simply perpetuate bad situations. So long as we continue to judge instead of support, these issues will go on and on.
WOW.... Iconic statement...True in every sense of the word...People are anxious to condemn, but never consider maybe they were part of the problem that caused the issue they are bitching about...See it all the time, & it is very frustrating.... Why can't we all just mind our own business...Live & let....
So many great points, Blindbird. I'm proud you're on this side of the fracas.
"The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.
John Kenneth Galbraith
Note the "modern". Neither Smith nor Burke would be overly impressed with what we have made of their ideas.
Totally agree @Blindbird. People are too judgemental. I think some people live in their own worlds. My friends aren't interested in politics, current events or world views. I seek new friends who believe in apathy for others. Too little apathy among my cohorts.
Yeah. I have friends like that too. I like to point out that politics IS interested in them and dictates most of their lives and options but they don't listen.
@sassygirl3869, I was confused.. Did you mean empathy?
yes I meant empathy-thanks for catching my boo boo
Some of these issues are personal and no-body's business anyway. We are free to make our own decisions, but people still find the need to judge others, throw blame and try to deny rights. It is counter productive and should be a non issue. It drives the focus away from what really matters, causes negativity and division.
Well put & well done! You nailed it, & did a great job!