perceptions
POSTED BY: boris
UPDATED: Thursday, February 4, 2010 23:29
VIEWED: 5520
PAGE 5 of 5
Well, I intend to keep my name and institution of higher learning from this list, not because I fear legal action. Indeed, I can't think of a court in the land that would get too excited about a very civil discourse on philosophy in a science fiction chat room. But I won't invite trouble either.
The only point I would make on this issue is while we both agree Nihilism is not a foundation to build a life on, it appears you have. I don't challenge that in that you have the right to make choices. But where mental and physical intimidation occur, and I have the ability to make a difference, I have an irrational tendency to do so. Consider it a character flaw ;-)
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Hey Zeek. I see your point of view, and support it on some levels, however there are times when drastic steps have to be taken. and I believe when you have tried every other option, that's the path you inevitably go down. perhaps there was an essence of gloating and bravado in my comments...those sentiments were disguising some pain of past experiences with bullies inclined towards violence for no reason other than the fact I did not fit into their idea of what was socially acceptable. maybe I should add some back story. I had been persecuted daily by the girl in my locker story and her friends for 3 years, no one helped me or supported me because they were too scared of the repercussions, teachers also refused to get involved, I did whatever I had to to sort them out, because no one else was doing anything and they needed to be stopped or at least to be taught what its like to experience the things they inflicted on others. I said it was worth it and I stand by that. worth it to be left alone by the girl in question, and her equally thuggish friends, who did many nasty things to many undeserving people including me. worth it to know that they did not bug as many people after that incident, worth it to know that my actions no matter how abhorent you might think them encouraged others to stand up to them, and worth it to have the rest of the school community think about what happens when people are not supported and have to take matters into their own hands. I'm not all bad and unbending, I understand that bullies sometimes have their own issues that are fueling thier behaviour. The girl whose nose I injured and I are friends now, and have been for about 20 years. though I do not identify her as that person who caused me so much grief. she understands why I did what I did and actually admitted to me years ago that the incident pretty much changed her and the way she judged people. Many violent people just do not understand any alternative solutions, so you find yourself in a position where you have to do something that makes them permanently change the way they operate. when I'm in those situations I do what I have to do. and yeah if its someone really evil I do feel some satisfaction on some level(damn those primal insincts)though I wouldn't describe it as pleasure..admittedly if I have managed to confound a bully with my words I do take pleasure in that, it can be quite empowering to halt violence/agression with speech alone. I don't go out starting fights or instigating situations. Ignorant people regularly target me because I'm odd and twitch alot.So I take care of myself however I have to and I do not have any regrets about that. The reality of my life is that I'm subjected to things many of you don't even have to think about, and I'm not inclined to put up with it. That would make me a victim, and the world already has too many unfortunate unprotected people who occupy that category.
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